US, EU and 30 countries have warned of a worsening food security crisis in Sudan, urging the country's warring parties to remove barriers to humanitarian assistance as the risk of famine grows.
In a joint statement released by the US State Department on October 26, the signatories called for urgent international action to prevent further deterioration and ensure aid reaches vulnerable populations.
The statement follows warnings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a United Nations-backed hunger monitor, that Sudan could face famine in the coming months.
In June, the IPC reported that 5.1 million people were experiencing severe hunger as fighting continued to disrupt agricultural production and food supplies.
Farmers have struggled to harvest crops since the conflict began, while drought conditions linked to El Nino have further reduced supplies and increased food prices.
The signatories warned that the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed the projected 825,000 without immediate intervention.
The conflict between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April 2023 following disagreements over military integration during a planned political transition.
The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, with estimates in the supplied reports ranging from more than 13 million to more than 14 million people.
The countries urged both sides to authorize humanitarian operations across front lines and international borders, including air access into Darfur.
They also demanded protection for humanitarian personnel and an end to attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The statement called on international donors to increase emergency funding and financial institutions to adjust existing programs to address Sudan's worsening food insecurity.
Signatories included the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and other European countries, alongside a European Union commissioner.
The appeal comes amid continuing allegations of atrocities against both warring factions.
A United Nations investigation in July accused RSF forces of genocidal acts, while Washington has accused the RSF of genocide and Sudan's army of war crimes.
Both sides have previously denied abuses.