World · Africa · 3 hrs ago
Countries urge aid access and funding to avert famine in Sudan
The US and dozens of countries warned of a growing famine risk in Sudan as food security worsens.
Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been fighting since April 2023.
A statement signed by the US, Britain, France, Germany, Australia and others urged the warring sides to remove obstacles to humanitarian aid and allow deliveries through land and air routes.
It also called for more international funding and for financial institutions to adapt their programmes to Sudan’s food needs.
The statement said about 19.5 million people face acute food insecurity; a separate June assessment cited in another account said 5.1 million faced severe hunger.
It warned that severe acute malnutrition could affect more than 825,000 children without immediate action, and called for support for the winter planting season and locally led responses.
Dozens of countries, including the United States and major European powers, warned that Sudan faces a risk of famine in the coming months.
They urged parties to the conflict to remove obstacles to humanitarian aid and allow access through cross-border and crossline routes, including by air into Darfur.
The countries called for increased international funding and for financial institutions to adapt their programmes to food security needs.
A statement cited by Okaz said about 19.5 million people, or 41% of Sudan’s population, face high levels of acute food insecurity.
The warning comes amid a war between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces that began in April 2023.
- Who
- The United States, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, and governments including Australia, Britain, France and Germany. Canada was also named by Okaz.
- What
- They warned of famine risk in Sudan and urged parties to the conflict to remove obstacles to humanitarian aid. They also called for increased funding.
- When
- The statement was published on October 27, 2026.
- Where
- Sudan.
- Why
- Food security is deteriorating, with famine risk in the coming months. The conflict and drought have also made it harder for farmers to harvest crops.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces began fighting after falling out over issues including plans to integrate their forces in a transition to civilian rule.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said 5.1 million people in Sudan faced severe hunger.
A joint statement warned of famine risk and called for aid access and increased funding.
- People facing acute food insecurity
- About 19.5 million, or 41% of Sudan’s population
- Children at risk of severe acute malnutrition
- More than 825,000 unless immediate action is taken
- Areas facing food insecurity
- Initially estimated at 14; the number is expected to double
- Displaced people
- More than 14 million
- Aid access urged
- All crossline and cross-border routes, including air access into Darfur
3 sources
What people are saying
Sudan is experiencing an alarming deterioration in its food security.
The risk of famine in the coming months, as warned by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, needs urgent action.
The parties to the conflict bear primary responsibility for alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.