WFP: Sudan War Spreading Hunger in Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad
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The World Food Programme has stated that the war in Sudan is threatening millions with hunger in Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad.
It has been confirmed that 28 million people are already experiencing food insecurity across Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad and are at risk of slipping into deeper levels of hunger.
In a statement issued today, Saturday, titled "Economic Fallout of Sudan War Deepens Hunger Crisis for Millions," it was explained that the war has caused food prices in Sudan to rise by 73% compared to last year and 350% higher than the five-year average due to disrupted agriculture, trade, cash liquidity, and frequent communication breakdowns.
The statement further highlighted that these conditions have also impacted South Sudan.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, said, "Millions of people in Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad are facing famine because this war has destroyed agriculture, businesses, and national economies, leaving its victims hungry and destitute."
She added, "The fighting must stop now, or this region could soon become the worlds largest hunger crisis."
The international organization warned that the drought season is approaching and is expected to last longer due to the war severely impacting the last harvest season, with national grain production down by 46% from 2023 levels and 40% below the previous five-year average.
The World Food Programme emphasized that Sudan and South Sudan will not be able to finance sufficient food imports to cover the shortfall, predicting that crop prices will further increase after doubling last year, leading to severe food shortages during the drought season.
It warned that this would have a devastating impact on millions already suffering from record levels of hunger, disease, and malnutrition.
The UN program also highlighted the deteriorating economy of South Sudan and the near-complete cessation of cross-border trade with Sudan, which serves as a lifeline for landlocked South Sudan since the war began, pushing one million people into severe food insecurity in South Sudan, where over half of the population of 7.1 million people already suffer from severe hunger.
The statement continued, "A similar scenario is unfolding in Chad, where food prices in the eastern part of the country nearly doubled last year. Border closures have severely restricted trade and food availability in markets. Nearly half of the refugees and returnees in eastern Chad are facing acute hunger as the lean season approaches."
