In Sudan, where many people are going without food due to months of warfare, rising food costs, and decreased agricultural yields, the World Food Programme issued a warning on Wednesday about what it called a “deepening hunger crisis.”
Even though these are the months when food production is often at its peak, the U.N. agency reported that during the current harvest season, the number of people experiencing hunger is at the highest levels ever.
Without a major increase in food aid, the World Food Programme warned that by the time the off-season begins in May, the conflict-affected areas may face “catastrophic hunger.”
According to a statement released by WFP Country Director and Representative in Sudan Eddie Rowe, “We urgently call on all parties to the conflict for a humanitarian pause and unfettered access to avert a hunger catastrophe in the upcoming lean season.” “We can only reach a small number of people, if any, who are trapped in areas where fighting is ongoing, despite the fact that lives are at stake.”
An attempt to establish a cease-fire has been made repeatedly, but fighting between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army broke out in April.
