In brief
The United States and 30 Western states have issued a joint statement warning of an "alarming deterioration" in Sudan’s food security amidst a brutal civil war that began in April 2023. Damage to infrastructure and repeated blockages of humanitarian corridors have left 19.5 million people—over 40 percent of the population—at high risk of hunger, and more than 5 million now face emergency levels of famine. The statement calls for an immediate halt to aid obstruction, a boost to the remaining 60 percent of the 2026 humanitarian funding gap, and swift delivery of supplies to children suffering severe acute malnutrition. The Western delegation stresses the essential role of the US and other signatories in ensuring safe, fast, and unimpeded access for relief agencies, citing the compounded effects of El Niño‑induced drought. Without urgent action, UN experts predict the number of children in dire malnutrition could surpass 825,000. Sudan’s humanitarian situation remains dire: 14 million people are displaced, aid flows remain severely limited, and aid agencies report significant funding cuts that jeopardise community kitchens and ongoing relief operations.
The United States and more than 30 Western states have collectively warned that Sudan is experiencing an "alarming deterioration" in food security, urging warring parties to lift barriers to humanitarian aid before famine sets in. The joint statement was published by the US State Department after appearing on the European Civil‑Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations website.
Conflict‑Driven Hunger Crisis – The war, which erupted in April 2023 after a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has displaced 14 million people. It has also destroyed farms, cut off roads, and damaged infrastructure critical for food production and distribution.
Alarming Numbers – According to the statement, 19.5 million people (41 % of Sudan’s population) are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, with around 5 million now at emergency hunger. The UN‑backed Integrated Food Management Phase Classification reported that 5.1 million faced severe hunger as of June.
Children at Risk – The declaration highlights that the number of children suffering severe acute malnutrition could exceed the projected 825,000 if aid interruptions continue. It calls on conflict parties to allow "full, safe, rapid and unimpeded access" to provide relief.
Obstructions and Drought – Aid drivers face systematic obstruction, while El Niño has exacerbated drought across more than half of Sudan, further reducing rainfall and worsening food shortages. Only 40 % of the 2026 humanitarian needs plan had been funded as of September, leaving aid agencies scrambling for resources.
The signatory statement urges all parties to the conflict to remove obstacles and commit to swift, safe, uninterrupted humanitarian deliveries, claiming that they bear primary responsibility "for alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people."
For more details on the joint statement, visit the State Department website.
