United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern on Tuesday over the escalating food insecurity in Sudan, as famine conditions continue to spread amid ongoing conflict.
“The Secretary-General is alarmed by the rapidly worsening food security situation in Sudan,” said UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay.
According to the latest report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), millions of Sudanese are facing worsening access to food and nutrition.
The IPC’s Famine Review Committee has confirmed that famine conditions are already present in at least five locations across the country.
North Darfur and the western Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan have been identified as particularly at risk.
Further alarming signs point to five additional areas in Sudan potentially falling into famine conditions in the coming months.
The ongoing conflict has displaced millions, and over 24.6 million people are now experiencing severe food insecurity.
The UN has warned that the fighting, combined with restrictions on humanitarian aid and personnel, continues to threaten aid operations.
This has left many Sudanese without essential food and medical supplies.
Guterres has called on all parties involved in the conflict to facilitate the swift and unhindered movement of humanitarian aid to those in need.
He also reiterated the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities to prevent further escalation in Sudan and neighboring countries.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in violent clashes between General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict has claimed over 20,000 lives, displaced millions, and left more than 25 million people in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
