“As we approach the one-year anniversary of the conflict, we cannot make clearer the desperation that civilians are facing in Sudan,” said Edem Wosornu of the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA – one of three senior officials who briefed ambassadors.

The gathering was called together after OCHA submitted a report on the issue of insufficient food in Sudan last Friday.

The following action was taken in accordance with a resolution passed by the Council in 2018, which directs the UN Secretary-General to quickly report if the danger of famine caused by conflict and widespread food insecurity arises.

Agricultural production halted 

The conflict between the Sudanese military and the opposing paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in 18 million individuals – over 33% of the population – experiencing severe food shortages.

Approximately 90% of the total are located in areas of conflict, specifically in the Darfur and Kordofan regions, as well as in the states of Khartoum and Al Jazirah.

Fighting has severely limited the production of crops, harmed important structures, led to an increase in prices, and disrupted the flow of trade, resulting in numerous devastating consequences.

Maurizio Martina, Deputy Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated that conflicts are growing in southeastern states, which are considered the main sources of wheat production, accounting for 50% of the total output.

According to a recent FAO report, cereal production saw a decline of 46 percent in the previous year.

“In 2024, the estimated cereal import demand of 3.38 million tonnes has sparked worries about the country’s ability to fulfill these requirements due to financial and logistical limitations. Additionally, the costly process of cereal production is anticipated to drive up market prices even more, already at an exceedingly elevated level,” stated the spokesperson.

Malnutrition rates soaring 

Currently, there are about 730,000 individuals in Sudan who are experiencing malnutrition. This problem is escalating to concerning levels and has already resulted in the death of young individuals.

Ms. Wosornu referenced a recent study by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) that disclosed a distressing finding: a child loses their life every two hours at the Zamzam camp in El Fasher, North Darfur.

According to our partners providing aid, approximately 222,000 children are at risk of malnutrition and could potentially pass away in the upcoming weeks and months.

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Despite being a crucial source of assistance in Sudan, the speaker noted that humanitarian workers are still confronted with challenges when trying to reach those in need.

The Council passed a resolution this month urging for complete and unimpeded humanitarian entry in Sudan, but there has been little advancement in reality.

Ms. Wosornu stated that aid organizations have greeted Sudan’s recent declaration to once again permit assistance into the nation through the Tine border crossing with Chad. However, the specific procedures have not yet been outlined.

The government has authorized the entry of 60 trucks through the Adre port in Chad into West Darfur. The convoy transporting aid, including food for over 175,000 individuals, is currently being prepared for deployment within the next few days.

She emphasized the importance of providing aid across all lines within Sudan and increasing protection for humanitarian workers and resources. While these are positive measures, they are still insufficient in addressing the imminent threat of famine.

The region is being stalked by hunger.

Carl Skau, the Deputy Executive Director of the WFP at the United Nations, emphasized the broader regional implications of the food shortage.

According to him, there are around 7 million individuals who are experiencing severe food insufficiency in South Sudan, as well as nearly 3 million in Chad.

The WFP has been tirelessly working in Sudan to address the high demand for aid, reaching an estimated eight million individuals in the previous year. However, their efforts are being hindered by limited access and resources.

Mr. Skau emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts and joined-up diplomacy in preventing Sudan from facing the biggest hunger crisis in the world. He called for all parties involved to allow unrestricted access across borders and conflict lines.

He cautioned that the increase in hunger could further exacerbate instability in the region and urged for urgent action to increase both financial and political aid for emergency relief efforts.

The source of the information is from UN News.