15 countries issue joint statement on acute food insecurity recorded in Sudan

Joint Statement on Sudan's Food Security Crisis by 15 Countries

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The UAE, Chad, Sierra Leone, Jordan, Uganda, Benin, Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles, Guinea Bissau, The Comoros, Mauritania, and Morocco have issued a statement on the alarming food security situation and the risk of famine in Sudan. The Sudanese population has been caught in the crossfire of a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which erupted during Ramadan on April 15 last year.

The 15 countries expressed deep concern over the prolonged conflict's repercussions on Sudan and its neighboring nations. They also urged the international community to scale up its humanitarian aid efforts.

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Stark and Rapid Deterioration in Food Security

The joint statement highlighted a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) published on June 27. The report concluded that "14 months into the conflict, Sudan is facing the worst levels of acute food insecurity ever recorded by the IPC in the country." The statement revealed that 25.6 million people in Sudan are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, with 14 areas at risk of famine. The countries expressed particular concern about the "stark and rapid deterioration" in food security and the severe impact on civilians, including thousands of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

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 Call for International Action and Cessation of Hostilities

In light of the deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the joint statement recalled the UN Security Council's request for the conflicting parties to facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered, and sustained passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. The countries called on the conflicting parties to halt hostilities, respect their obligations under international regulations, and support all relevant Security Council resolutions. They also urged all foreign actors to avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions.

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 UAE's Aid to Sudan Amid Rising Humanitarian Crisis

The UAE is one of the leading contributors of humanitarian aid to Sudan, having provided over $3.5 billion in aid over the past decade. Since the beginning of the conflict, the UAE has established an air bridge, built field hospitals, and provided substantial support to refugee camps for displaced Sudanese people in neighboring Chad. The Gulf state has long been committed to enhancing the living conditions and safety of displaced people and refugees in Sudan.