FAO Warns of Food Catastrophe, Red Cross Calls for Safe Evacuation of Residents

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The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Sudan has warned of an impending food security catastrophe in the country if the fighting in the states of Al-Jazira and Darfur continues. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross on Wednesday urged all parties involved in the ongoing war in Sudan to allow the safe evacuation of civilians from combat zones.

Adam Yao, the organizations deputy representative in Sudan, told the Arab World News Agency that food security in Sudan is deteriorating, and the number of people suffering from food insecurity is increasing, reaching 17.7 million people.

"We thought that the number of people experiencing food insecurity in 2023 had reached about 15 million people, but (the number) will increase next year," he added.

Yao emphasized that the growing concern in recent days about food security lies in the fact that the fighting has shifted towards the Wad Madani area and Al-Jazira state, which is the "basic food basket for the country." Additionally, the fighting is heading towards Sennar, a large agricultural region, which is indeed a matter of great concern.

"If farmers in these areas cannot continue their agricultural activities, it will be a disaster for the entire country... This is worrisome, and we must do everything in our power to prevent the situation from deteriorating further," he said.

He also stated that farmers do not have the financial resources to resume their agricultural activities, as they cannot afford to buy expensive fertilizers and seeds, the prices of which have risen due to the war, hindering food production in Sudan.

He warned that if the fighting continues in the Al-Jazira state, people, including farmers and small farm owners, may be forced to flee. As a result, people will abandon agricultural lands and will not be able to farm elsewhere, reducing the countrys ability to provide locally grown food and decreasing dependence on imports.

Regarding the places where the largest number of people in Sudan are experiencing food insecurity, Yao said, "Most of them are in Khartoum, where the fighting has been intense and prolonged, but also in Darfur, where the fighting has been fierce in El Geneina, Nyala, Zalingei, and even in El-Fasher."

Yao appealed to all warring parties to allow humanitarian aid to reach people in a way that enables them to obtain food throughout Sudan.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, through its account on the Ex platform, urged the parties to the conflict in Sudan to adhere to international humanitarian law and take immediate action in this regard.

It added, "All parties should take all possible steps to prevent further harm to civilians and protect civilian property."