The U.S. has cut humanitarian aid to Sudan, closing 80% of emergency kitchens, impacting nearly two million people amid a civil war. Starvation intensifies as the conflict continues, despite some emergency assistance waivers. Local and international aid efforts are under strain, exacerbating the crisis for millions displaced and in need of food security.
The recent suspension of U.S. humanitarian aid to Sudan has severely impacted emergency food services, leading to the closure of nearly 80% of food kitchens that support those affected by the ongoing civil war. Over 1,100 communal kitchens have shut down, leaving millions facing severe food shortages and hunger. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions since it began in April 2023, creating acute famine conditions in various areas.
Emergency response rooms, which manage these kitchens, have reported overwhelming demand for food assistance. “People are knocking on the volunteers’ doors; people are screaming from hunger in the streets,” stated Duaa Tariq, an organizer of these emergency kitchens. The abrupt halt of U.S. support due to President Trump’s executive order raises questions regarding future aid, with existing channels for assistance no longer functioning.
The result of this halt leaves many kitchens unable to prepare for increasing needs, especially in Khartoum, where Duaa Tariq operates. Some kitchens are attempting to negotiate for food supplies on credit, yet they anticipate severe shortages leading to widespread starvation.
Moreover, the local network that previously focused on community donations has increasingly depended on international aid, including USAID, which provided significant funding for food aid. After the U.S. aid freeze, a former USAID official described the situation as a “huge setback,” highlighting the critical need for urgent private donations to address the food crisis.
The hunger crisis is exacerbated by the refugee influx into neighboring countries, with over two million fleeing due to conflict. UN officials noted that the U.S. policy shift would have significant ramifications, as local resources become strained. Rania Dagesh from the World Food Programme reported dire conditions, remarking on the plight of malnourished children in refugee camps with little sustenance.
As the situation deteriorates, the UNHCR faces funding challenges, leading to significant cuts in aid and services for refugees. Authorities are forced to operate at minimal levels, further compromising their capacity to provide necessary support. Some refugees are even risking dangerous journeys to reach third countries in search of safety and sustenance. With the closure of emergency kitchens combined with the refugee crisis, the humanitarian situation in Sudan threatens to worsen significantly.
The U.S. suspension of humanitarian aid has had disastrous effects on food security in Sudan, leading to a significant rise in starvation and closure of emergency kitchens. As conflict and displacement continue, local and international aid efforts are being severely hampered. Existing systems for assistance and funding are being dismantled, raising critical concerns for the future of those dependent on aid within Sudan and neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
