Sudan is on the brink of famine, with general Burhan-controlled SAF blocking the UN from delivering food through a crucial border crossing, a report revealed.
This has cut off aid to hundreds of thousands during a severe civil war. Experts fear a catastrophic famine unless immediate action is taken.
After 15 months of conflict, Sudan is nearing one of the worst famines in decades.
Burhan-controlled SAF’s blockade prevents essential UN aid, risking up to 2.5 million deaths by year’s end. Darfur, particularly, is at high risk, with eight of 14 famine-threatened districts.
The closed Adré border crossing from Chad to Sudan is critical for aid delivery.
Despite the flow of refugees and goods, UN food trucks are banned, leaving 440,000 people in Darfur on the edge of starvation.
Refugees cite hunger as their primary reason for fleeing.
Burhan forces claim the blockade prevents weapon smuggling, yet arms and rival forces still cross the border.
Though the rival army, Rapid Support Forces, controls the Sudanese side of Adré and the UN respects the army’s edict. However, this forces aid trucks on a perilous, lengthy detour to Tine.
The detour, dangerous and inefficient, is significantly delaying aid.
Since February, only a fraction of the needed aid has reached Darfur, with seasonal rains further complicating delivery.
The US, the largest donor, deems the blockade unacceptable, stressing the urgent need to lift it to prevent mass starvation.