Time is running out to save lives as famine threatens in conflict-affected areas of Sudan, warned the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Wednesday May 15.
On several occasions, the WFP has drawn attention to the fact that Sudan, where the conflict is entering its second year, could experience the world’s worst hunger crisis; and that if no action is taken immediately, the window for avoiding famine is rapidly closing.
As if to make matters worse, the escalation of fighting in recent days in North Darfur’s capital, El Fasher, has left a “large number of civilians dead and wounded”, according to the UN agency, adding that the hostilities have also damaged the state’s only functioning hospital and hampered humanitarian access to the city and beyond.
“I urge the warring parties to respect their obligations under international law to protect civilians and end the fighting,” said WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau, who had just completed a mission to the country.
More broadly, the WFP believes that the situation in Sudan has not received the attention it deserves, and that this must change now.
“Concerted diplomatic efforts and more resources are urgently needed to protect civilians and strengthen the humanitarian response. The WFP is committed and ready to play its part”, insisted Skau.
On the ground, there are only a few weeks left, according to the UN agency, to stock up on food in parts of Darfur and Kordofan before the rainy season begins in June, and many roads become impassable, making essential transport routes inaccessible.
This is also the lean season, when food stocks run out and hunger reaches its peak.
The situation is desperate and deteriorating rapidly”, said the WFP Deputy Executive Director.
He also pointed out that “the WFP is currently helping some 2.5 million people. We have the capacity to intensify and extend our aid, but to do so we need all parties to facilitate access, both across the front lines of the belligerents, as well as across the border into Chad and South Sudan”.
At least 5 million people in Sudan are on the brink of starvation. #OMA #OrganisationMarocAfrikaCulturesetDéveloppement #NajibKettani #Societe #Soudan #Guerre #PAM #Famine #CarlSkau
