Millions in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region are receiving a critical boost in food aid, a move aimed at preventing a looming famine, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Thursday.
Five convoys carrying 5,000 tons of food have crossed the border from Chad since the beginning of 2024, marking a significant increase in emergency assistance. The latest deliveries, completed in southern Darfur on June 10th, are crucial for populations facing the highest levels of food insecurity.
“This is an emergency scale-up to avert famine,” said WFP Sudan communications head Leni Kinzli. “We need to continue expanding access and are working on opening new corridors from South Sudan and Egypt.”
The renewed violence that erupted in April 2023 has plunged Sudan into crisis. The WFP estimates that 1.7 million people in Darfur, including the besieged North Darfur capital Al Fasher, are already experiencing emergency hunger levels.
Delivering aid remains a complex task. Negotiating access with armed groups controlling checkpoints and navigating dangerous conflict zones pose significant challenges. Additionally, deteriorating road conditions caused mechanical issues during the recent deliveries.
Despite the hurdles, WFP plans to send three more convoys carrying food and essential supplies to Darfur in the coming weeks, targeting an additional 675,000 people. Negotiations are also underway to open an additional crossing point from South Sudan for smoother aid delivery.
The U.N.’s humanitarian agency is urging for the reopening of the Adre crossing point, which provides access to Rapid Support Forces-controlled areas. This additional access point is critical to ensure aid reaches all vulnerable populations in time to prevent a full-blown famine.