New York [US]: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced deep concern over the worsening food insecurity in Sudan, warning of famine conditions in several regions due to the ongoing conflict.
In a statement delivered by spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay, Guterres highlighted the alarming deterioration in access to food and nutrition for millions across Sudan. “The Secretary-General is alarmed by the rapidly worsening food security situation in Sudan, as access to food and nutrition for millions of people across the country continues to deteriorate according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC),” Tremblay stated.
The latest report from the IPC’s Famine Review Committee has identified famine conditions in at least five locations, including displacement camps in North Darfur and the western Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan. The report also flagged five additional areas as being at high risk of famine in the coming months.
According to the UN, over 24.6 million people in Sudan—more than half the population—are facing severe levels of acute food insecurity. The ongoing conflict, coupled with restrictions on the movement of relief supplies and humanitarian personnel, has severely hindered aid operations in the affected regions.
Guterres reiterated his urgent plea for all parties involved to ensure rapid, safe, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. “He calls on the parties to facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered, and sustained access so that humanitarian assistance and staff can reach people in need wherever they are,” the statement emphasized.
The crisis underscores the urgent need for coordinated international support to address the mounting humanitarian challenges in Sudan and to prevent further escalation of famine conditions.