Rédaction Africa Links 24 with umajulius
Published on 2024-03-21 07:28:04
The United Nations has issued a dire warning about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, stating that the country is facing one of the worst situations in recent history after nearly a year of conflict. Edem Wosornu, the director of operations at the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), emphasized the desperate situation that civilians are currently facing in Sudan during a briefing to the Security Council.
Approximately 18 million people, or about a third of the population, are experiencing acute shortages, with the majority of those affected located in conflict zones such as Darfur and Kordofan, as well as in Khartoum and Al Jazirah states. The fighting has not only led to restricted agricultural production but has also caused major damage to infrastructure, resulting in skyrocketing prices and disrupted trade flows, among other impacts.
A report by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) revealed that a child is succumbing to malnutrition every two hours at Zamzam camp in El Fasher, North Darfur. It is estimated that around 222,000 children could die from malnutrition in the coming weeks and months if urgent action is not taken to address the crisis.
Despite efforts by humanitarian aid workers, obstacles persist in reaching those in need. While the Security Council recently adopted a resolution calling for full and unhindered humanitarian access in Sudan, progress on the ground has been limited. However, there have been some positive developments, such as Sudan’s decision to allow aid to enter through the Tine border crossing with Chad.
The situation is further exacerbated by the impact of hostilities on the southeastern states, which are vital for wheat production in Sudan. Cereal production has dropped by nearly 46 percent, raising concerns about the country’s ability to meet its cereal import requirements. The financial and logistical challenges may further inflate market prices, which are already at exceptionally high levels.
Currently, around 730,000 people in Sudan are suffering from malnutrition, with the numbers increasing at an alarming rate. The FAO official stressed the need for crossline aid delivery within Sudan and greater protection for humanitarian staff and supplies, as well as the urgency of addressing the looming famine.
Additionally, neighboring countries such as South Sudan and Chad are also facing acute food insecurity, with millions of people in need of assistance. The World Food Programme (WFP) has been working tirelessly to provide aid to those affected, but their operations are hindered by limited access and resources.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in the displacement of over 8 million people since April 2023, further exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in the region. Despite some positive steps taken to address the crisis, much more needs to be done to prevent further suffering and loss of life in Sudan.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
