The conflict in Sudan between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has spiraled into a dire humanitarian crisis, claiming tens of thousands of lives and displacing millions since it erupted in April 2023. As hostilities continue, the freezing of U.S. humanitarian assistance has led to the closure of almost 80% of emergency food kitchens set up to aid those left destitute by the ongoing civil war. This closure significantly impacts efforts to address what is now considered one of the world's largest hunger crises.
Famine conditions have been reported in at least five locations across Sudan, with nearly two million people struggling to survive amidst the turmoil. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been forced to scale back its interventions to bare minimum levels due to a lack of sufficient donor contributions. Last year's call for aid yielded only 30% of the expected amount, compelling the UNHCR to drastically cut essential supplies, including meals and water for refugees.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had provided 70-80% of the funding to flexible cash programs in Sudan. Despite the State Department issuing an exemption for emergency food assistance, confusion and uncertainty persist regarding its practical implications. The World Food Programme (WFP) has managed to secure waivers for its 13 existing Sudanese grants with USAID, but uncertainty looms over future funding prospects.
Many refugees have fled from Sudan's agricultural areas, unprepared for the escalating violence as the army advanced. Reports indicate that some are seeking refuge in third countries, including regions in the Gulf, Europe, and beyond. The network of communal feeding centers, initially supported by community and diaspora donations, later became focal points for international agency funding. However, with the imminent closure of these kitchens, the situation is expected to worsen, potentially increasing the number of people fleeing across borders.
"I think we can shore up [the emergency kitchens]," states an anonymous source, highlighting a glimmer of hope amid the crisis.
Volunteers have played a crucial role in attempting to mitigate the hunger crisis. "These volunteers were challenging us to work differently, and we were responding," said an anonymous contributor. Despite these efforts, the closure of emergency kitchens marks a significant setback in providing immediate relief to those affected by Sudan's civil war.
Duaa Tariq, an emergency room organizer, painted a grim picture of the dire conditions on the ground: "People are knocking on the volunteers' doors," she said. "People are screaming from hunger in the streets." Her statements underscore the urgency of addressing this humanitarian catastrophe.
The U.S. State Department has clarified its stance on aid restructuring:
"The aid review process is not about ending foreign aid, but restructuring assistance to ensure it makes the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous."
While this may offer some insight into U.S. policy intentions, it provides little solace to those suffering in Sudan.
Rania Dagesh, WFP's assistant executive director for partnerships and innovation, shared her firsthand experience of the crisis:
"I witnessed people who have fled conflict but not hunger."
Her observation highlights a distressing reality—many are escaping violence only to face starvation.
Mamadou Dian Balde, UN High Commissioner for Refugees' regional bureau director, emphasized the dire need for strategic conservation:
"We have to rationalise, rationalise, rationalise."
This mantra reflects the harsh necessity of prioritizing limited resources amidst widespread need.
Leave a Reply