15 countries issue joint statement on acute food insecurity recorded in Sudan

The UAE, Chad, Sierra Leone, Jordan, Uganda, Benin, Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles, Guinea Bissau, The Comoros, Mauritania and Morocco have issued a statement on an alarming food security situation and the risk of famine in Sudan.

The people of Sudan have been caught in the middle of a brutal conflict involving a couple of rival factions of the military government – the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The fighting erupted during Ramadan on April 15 last year.

In the joint statement, the 15 countries expressed deep concern over the repercussions of prolongation of the conflict on Sudan and on the neighbouring countries. They also urged the international community to scale up its humanitarian aid.

“Stark and rapid deterioration” in food security

The joint statement highlighted a report of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, published on June 27, that concluded: “14 months into the conflict, Sudan is facing the worst levels of acute food insecurity ever recorded by the IPC in the country”.

“The disturbing results in the report reveal an unprecedented level of food insecurity in Sudan, leaving 25.6 million people in high levels of acute food insecurity and 14 areas at risk of famine,” the statement further mentioned.

The countries expressed particular concern about the IPC reporting a “stark and rapid deterioration” in food security and the dire impact of the deteriorating situation on the civilians, including many thousands of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

Foreign actors urged to avoid actions that could fuel tensions

Concerned over the deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the joint statement recalled the UNSC request for the parties to the conflict to facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need.

The countries also called on the parties to halt hostilities, respect their obligations under international regulations and support all relevant Security Council resolutions. They also urged all foreign actors to refrain from any action that could exacerbate tensions.

UAE aid to Sudan amid rising humanitarian crisis

The UAE is one of the leading contributors of humanitarian aid to Sudan. The Gulf state has long been helping enhance the living conditions and safety of displaced people and refugees. The total amount of UAE aid to Sudan in the past one decade exceeds $3.5 billion.

The Emirates has established an air bridge since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan, besides building a couple of field hospitals. The nation has also been providing substantial support to refugee camps for displaced Sudanese people in neighbouring Chad.