Areas south of Khartoum, Sudan’s war-ravaged capital, face a high risk of famine, the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Tuesday.
WFP’s Sudan representative, Laurent Bukera, reported “severe” hunger levels in Jabal Awliya, a town south of Khartoum, following his return from Khartoum State.
Bukera, speaking from Port Sudan, described widespread destruction, limited access to essential services, and a cholera outbreak in Khartoum, with many neighborhoods abandoned.
General Abdel Fattah al Burhan-led army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been battling since April 2023, causing tens of thousands of deaths and displacing 13 million people, triggering the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
WFP is deeply concerned, emphasizing urgent basic needs, especially food.
Famine-hit Khartoom is under Burhan control.
With WFP now accessing areas at high famine risk, they are working to avert disaster.
Bukera stated the “severe” hunger confirmed famine risk during last month’s distributions in Jabal Awliya.
He urged the international community to fund aid and invest in Sudan’s recovery.
Famine has been declared in five Sudanese areas, including displacement camps near El-Fasher, where five aid workers were recently killed.
Nearly 25 million people nationwide suffer severe food insecurity.
WFP reaches four million people monthly, aiming for seven million, but faces over $700 million in funding shortfalls.
Bukera believes food aid can bring stability and “anchor the peace” as displaced people return.
