Sudan is facing a severe hunger crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported that over 100,000 people are experiencing famine-like conditions, with nearly 19.5 million facing acute food insecurity. This situation is worsened by rising agricultural costs and funding cuts, which have led to a reduction in aid from 5 million to 3.5 million people.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced millions and devastated agricultural infrastructure. Recent fighting around el-Obeid raised fears of a humanitarian disaster similar to that in el-Fasher, where aid deliveries were severely hindered. Although violence has eased somewhat, the risk of renewed conflict remains high, particularly in Darfur, where the closure of border crossings has further restricted aid access.
The WFP’s acting executive director, Carl Skau, highlighted the critical need for fertiliser imports, which are now threatened by soaring diesel prices and supply chain disruptions linked to the Gulf conflict. Farmers may struggle to afford the necessary irrigation for crops, jeopardising the current planting season and future food security.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the WFP faces a $646 million funding gap, prompting concerns that without immediate intervention, the crisis will escalate further, impacting not just Sudan but potentially destabilising the region and affecting global food supply chains.
Source: Al Jazeera
