This dire situation, marked by widespread famine, has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict that erupted in April 2023.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) framework has revealed that famine conditions are worsening in several regions of the country, particularly in North Darfur. This grim reality echoes the dire situations witnessed in Somalia in 2011 and South Sudan in 2017 and 2020, making Sudan the only country in the past 15 years to face such a severe food crisis.
The conflict has had a devastating impact on the country, forcing over 11.5 million people to flee their homes. This mass displacement has disrupted agricultural production, destroyed critical infrastructure, and severely limited access to food and essential services.
“This is a man-made crisis,” emphasized Edem Wosornu, Director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Operations and Communications Division.
The UN has issued an urgent appeal for $4.2 billion in humanitarian aid to assist nearly 21 million people in need. However, addressing this crisis requires an immediate cessation of hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected populations.
The international community must exert pressure on the warring parties to respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians.
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