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United Nations

Sudanese Refugees at Risk of Hunger as Food Insecurities Rise

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Millions of Sudanese refugees fleeing their country's civil war risk falling deeper into hunger as food assistance funding dwindles in neighboring countries. The situation is dire, with nearly half of Sudan's population facing acute food insecurity, and over four million refugees at risk of suffering further food insecurities. The World Food Program warns that crucial funding for life-saving food assistance is expected to dwindle in the coming months in several countries, including the Central African Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Uganda, and Chad.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sudanese civil war, which began in April 2023, has killed over 40,000 people and displaced nearly 13 million, including to other countries, according to UN estimates.
  • Nearly half of Sudan's population remains in the country and is facing acute food insecurity, with some areas suffering from malnutrition.
  • Over four million Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries are at risk of suffering further food insecurities as funding for food assistance is expected to dwindle.
  • The conflict in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of 239 children in the past six months in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province, due to severe shortages of food and medicine.
  • The bombing of nutrition warehouses in Sudan has exacerbated the crisis, making it even harder for those in need to access life-saving food and medicine.
  • Shaun Hughes, WFP's Emergency Coordinator for the Sudan Regional Crisis, warns that refugees from Sudan are facing hunger, despair, and limited resources on the other side of the border.
  • Food assistance is a lifeline for vulnerable refugee families, but funding is dwindling, leaving them with nowhere else to turn.

Statistics:

  • 40,000 people have been killed in Sudan's civil war since April 2023, according to UN estimates.
  • Nearly 13 million people have been displaced or forced to flee their homes, including to other countries.
  • Over 4 million Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries are at risk of suffering further food insecurities.
  • 239 children have died in the past six months in El Fasher due to severe shortages of food and medicine.
  • 90 communal kitchens have closed in Khartoum, leaving over half a million people without consistent access to food, according to the International Rescue Committee.

Sources:

  • [1] Fatma Khaled, "Sudanese Refugees at Risk of Hunger as Food Insecurities Rise", Arab News, [no date].
  • [2] United Nations, "Sudan Crisis", [no date].
  • [3] World Food Program, "Sudan Regional Crisis", [no date].
  • [4] Sudan Doctors Network, "Malnutrition Kills 239 Children in El Fasher", [no date].
  • [5] Darfur Victims Support Organization, "Pictures of Citizens Lining Up for Meals", [no date].
  • [6] International Rescue Committee, "Communal Kitchens Close in Khartoum, Leaving Half a Million Without Food", [no date].

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