West warns of famine risk in Sudan as civil war grinds on

What the report says

The BBC Africa reports that the United States and 30 other Western countries have warned of a worsening food-security emergency in Sudan, saying the country faces a serious risk of famine unless the warring parties make it easier for aid to reach civilians. In a joint statement published by the US State Department and first posted on the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations website, the governments said conflict remains the main driver of the hunger crisis by damaging infrastructure and disrupting food production.

The warning comes as Sudan’s civil war, which began in April 2023 after a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, continues to displace millions. The statement says 19.5 million people, or 41% of the population, are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, including about five million at emergency hunger levels. It also says the number of children with severe acute malnutrition could rise above the projected 825,000 without urgent action.

BBC Africa also quotes aid worker Yusuf Roble, regional director for Islamic Relief East Africa, who described returnees in Omdurman finding destroyed or looted homes and relying on community kitchens. He said funding cuts are limiting longer-term support, while only 40% of Sudan’s 2026 humanitarian needs plan had been funded by September.

The statement adds that drought linked to El Niño and alleged obstruction of aid are worsening the situation. The warning is significant because Sudan is already described by the World Health Organization as facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 33 million people in need of assistance.