32 Nations Warn Sudan Faces Famine Risk

825,000 is the projected number of children who could suffer from severe acute malnutrition in Sudan if international aid does not arrive immediately. A coalition of 32 nations issued a joint warning on Monday regarding the country's deteriorating food security. The signatories include the United States, the European Union, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The joint statement, released by the US State Department, identifies the risk of famine in the coming months as the primary concern. Citing the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the signatories noted that 5.1 million people in Sudan already faced severe hunger as of June. The document states that the parties to the conflict bear primary responsibility for alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.

The war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has intensified these conditions. Fighting began in April 2023 after a dispute over military integration erupted into clashes in Khartoum. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 13 million, creating the world's largest hunger and displacement crises.

Agricultural failures have compounded the humanitarian emergency. Farmers have struggled to harvest crops since the war began, while a drought linked to El Nino has driven up food prices and reduced supplies this year. The signatories urged warring parties to lift all impediments on humanitarian assistance, including air access to the Darfur region.

The statement calls for the protection of humanitarian personnel and a restraint on attacks against civilian infrastructure. It further demands that the international community scale up funding to meet increased needs. The signatories emphasized that aid must reach those most in need without delay.

The 32 signatories consist of the US, Australia, Canada, and 28 European countries. The European Commissioner for equality, preparedness, and crisis management also signed the document. In a related move last month, the State Department declared that neither the Sudanese army nor the Rapid Support Forces represent legitimate constitutional governance for Sudan.

The IPC data serves as the basis for the coalition's warning. The group stated that without urgent action, the number of malnourished children could exceed the current projection. The joint statement remains the latest diplomatic effort to coordinate a response to the ongoing crisis in Sudan.