It is time a solution to the conflict in Sudan is found to rescue a growing number of Sudanese from famine.
Development Diaries reports that about 95 percent of Sudanese are facing severe hunger as they cannot have one adequate meal per day, according to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
Since the war started in April 2023, over 7.76 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan as the conflict continues to fuel insecurity, the need for food assistance, and poor health outcomes.
The spread of war to the main agricultural areas in Sudan, such as ‘Sudan’s breadbasket’ El Gezira, has greatly affected food production, pushing many into hunger and displacement in search of food.
In southern Khartoum, fruit and vegetable prices have reportedly soared due to the interruption to online banking and the rise in fuel prices, according to local media reports.
About 18 million people across Sudan face severe food insecurity, and ‘close to five million are on the precipice of catastrophe’, the second-worst emergency classification used by the WFP before famine, WFP Sudan Director, Eddie Rowe, said in a statement.
While WFP has food in Sudan to assist, Rowe added that the lack of humanitarian access and other unnecessary hurdles are slowing vital aid from reaching those most vulnerable.
We understand online banking in Sudan has been halted by the ongoing telecommunication blackout reported weeks ago, contributing to the challenges faced in accessing food and assistance.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) must find a common ground for peace soon to bring an end to the war for the survival of innocent civilians.
Development Diaries calls on the authorities in Sudan to take drastic action by putting in place measures to improve access to food and other essential needs of the people.
The government of Sudan must also restore access to telecommunications and internet services to aid efforts in cushioning the impact of the food insecurity in the country.
Photo source: United Nations
