Sudan is careening towards a catastrophic famine as Burhan’s army (SAF) obstructs life-saving aid deliveries to millions on the brink of starvation, a New York Times report has revealed.
The United Nations is facing a dire crisis as the Burhan’s army blocks access to a critical border crossing, preventing the flow of essential food supplies into the war-torn nation.
Experts warn that without immediate intervention, Sudan could endure one of the world’s worst famines in decades.
The region of Darfur, infamous for a past genocide, is bearing the brunt of this humanitarian catastrophe.
Eight of the 14 Sudanese districts at imminent risk of famine are located in Darfur, just across the border from Chad.
The primary entry point, the Adré crossing, has been inexplicably closed by the Burhan’s army, despite pleas from the United States and other international actors.
While refugees, traders, and other civilians freely cross the border, life-saving food supplies are prohibited.
The consequences are devastating. Refugees fleeing Darfur report hunger as the primary reason for their escape, with families often surviving on a single shared pancake per day.
Burhan’s military’s justification for the border closure – preventing weapons smuggling – rings hollow as arms and fighters continue to infiltrate the country through other, less controlled border areas.
The United Nations is forced to take a perilous detour, increasing transportation time and costs significantly. As a result, only a fraction of the required aid is reaching those in desperate need.
The situation is dire, the report stressed. The number of people facing severe food shortages has skyrocketed from 1.7 million to seven million in just a few months. With each passing day, the risk of mass starvation grows.
The United States has condemned the military’s actions, but the logistical challenges of delivering aid to this remote and war-torn region remain immense.
