The United Nations food agency issued a stark warning to the conflicting parties in Sudan, stressing the imminent threat of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and other regions if humanitarian aid remains blocked. Leni Kinzli, the regional spokesperson for the World Food Program (WFP), highlighted the dire situation, stating that over 1.7 million people in Darfur were already facing severe hunger in December, with the number likely higher now.
The conflict, which erupted in mid-April 2023 between the military and paramilitary forces, particularly the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has escalated, spreading violence to various parts of Sudan, including urban areas and Darfur. The RSF now controls most of Darfur and is besieging El Fasher, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped. Reports indicate a grim reality in El Fasher, with civilians struggling to flee amid bombings and shelling by RSF forces.
Moreover, the violence has severely impacted agriculture, with crop production significantly below average, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Kinzli emphasized the urgency of the situation as the lean season approaches, leaving many families without adequate food stocks. Shocking reports of malnourished children and elderly individuals in displacement camps underscore the gravity of the situation, with recent deaths attributed to malnutrition.
Despite efforts by humanitarian organizations like WFP, access to affected areas remains restricted due to bureaucratic hurdles and security concerns. Sudanese authorities' revocation of aid delivery permissions and recent attacks on aid workers further impede relief efforts. Kinzli emphasized the urgent need for international diplomatic intervention to ensure access to conflict zones and the safety of humanitarian personnel.
In conclusion, Kinzli reiterated the critical need for unhindered access and security guarantees to deliver life-saving assistance to the millions facing food insecurity in Sudan, emphasizing the urgency of the situation to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.