The United States, European Union and 30 countries have warned that Sudan faces a growing risk of famine, calling for urgent humanitarian action as the country’s devastating war continues.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the signatories expressed concern over worsening food shortages and rising levels of malnutrition.
They urged Sudan’s warring parties to remove restrictions on humanitarian assistance and allow aid to reach communities in need.
The warning comes as millions of Sudanese struggle to access food, healthcare and essential services.
International community warns of famine in Sudan
The joint statement, published by the US State Department, highlighted the rapid deterioration of food security across Sudan.
It cited warnings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed system that monitors hunger and famine risks.
According to the IPC, around 5.1 million people in Sudan faced severe hunger in June.
The signatories warned that conditions could deteriorate further without immediate action.
They also raised concerns about child malnutrition.
Without an urgent response, the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed the projected 825,000.
The statement called on all parties involved in the conflict to prioritise civilian protection and humanitarian needs.
Sudan’s war deepens humanitarian crisis
Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devastated large parts of the country.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed, while more than 13 million have been displaced.
The fighting has also disrupted agriculture, markets and supply routes.
Many farmers have struggled to plant and harvest crops because of insecurity.
Meanwhile, drought conditions linked to El Niño have placed additional pressure on food production.
These challenges have contributed to rising food prices and shortages in several regions.
As a result, millions of families face increasing difficulties meeting their daily needs.
Countries demand unrestricted humanitarian access
The US, European countries and other signatories called for humanitarian assistance to reach civilians without obstruction.
They urged the warring parties to allow aid deliveries across conflict lines and international borders.
The statement also highlighted the importance of air access to Darfur, where humanitarian needs remain severe.
Aid organisations require safe routes to transport food, medicine and other essential supplies.
The signatories also called for the protection of humanitarian workers and facilities.
They urged all parties to avoid attacks on civilian infrastructure and ensure that aid personnel can operate safely.
These measures are considered essential to preventing further deterioration in humanitarian conditions.
International funding urgently needed
The statement also appealed to international donors to increase financial support for Sudan.
Humanitarian organisations continue to face major challenges as the number of people requiring assistance grows.
Funding shortages can limit food distributions, healthcare services and emergency nutrition programmes.
The signatories said additional resources were needed to ensure assistance reaches the most vulnerable communities.
The appeal was supported by the United States, Australia, Canada and 28 European countries, alongside European Union representation.
Sudan faces a critical humanitarian period
The latest warning comes amid continuing international efforts to address Sudan’s conflict.
Diplomatic initiatives have sought to encourage humanitarian access and create conditions for a political settlement.
However, fighting and insecurity continue to complicate relief operations.
The international statement placed responsibility on the warring parties to help alleviate civilian suffering.
For millions of Sudanese families, the immediate concern remains access to food, safety and essential services.
Without improved humanitarian access and increased international assistance, the risk of further hunger and malnutrition remains severe.