US Aid Freeze Intensifies Famine in Sudan
Sudan is facing a devastating humanitarian crisis as aid organizations struggle to deliver life-saving assistance amid escalating violence. The recent decision by the United States to freeze humanitarian aid has led to the closure of emergency food kitchens, pushing millions into deeper food insecurity.
The ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has exacerbated the suffering of civilians. Thousands have lost their lives, while over 12 million have been displaced, with hunger and malnutrition reaching critical levels. The lack of humanitarian support has placed immense pressure on local communities, forcing many to flee their homes in search of safety and resources.
USAID Freeze Shuts Down Relief Operations
The United States government’s suspension of aid to Sudan has left millions without access to essential food supplies. The decision to freeze USAID funding for 90 days has resulted in the shutdown of 80% of Sudan’s emergency food kitchens, worsening an already dire situation. Many families, who relied on communal kitchens for daily meals, have been left to fend for themselves. Reports indicate that approximately 1,100 communal kitchens have ceased operations, forcing desperate families to seek help from volunteers. The closure of these kitchens means that thousands of children, elderly individuals, and vulnerable people now face acute hunger without any support structure to fall back on.
The US Department of State issued a waiver for life-saving assistance, but these exemptions have failed to resume significant humanitarian efforts. According to Reuters, only $100 million of the waived funds have gone to humanitarian programs, compared to the agency’s annual $40 billion spending on foreign aid. Instead, the bulk of the waivers have been allocated to military assistance, arms sales, and anti-drug smuggling initiatives. These allocations have sparked criticism from humanitarian groups who argue that urgent food relief and medical aid should be prioritized over military funding.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has confirmed that despite receiving 13 waivers related to Sudanese aid, the future of funding remains uncertain. This ambiguity places millions at risk of starvation and disease. The suspension of essential support programs has further strained already overburdened local relief efforts, pushing the humanitarian crisis to unprecedented levels. Aid workers have described the situation as a race against time to prevent mass starvation and a worsening health crisis.
Famine Spreads Amid Escalating Conflict
The WFP has issued warnings that Sudan is on track to become the worst hunger crisis in modern history. The war has crippled essential supply chains, destroyed infrastructure, and cut off trade routes, leaving vast populations without access to food and medical care. Many farmers have abandoned their fields due to ongoing violence, exacerbating the food shortage. In several regions, markets have been looted or burned, and vital supply routes have been blocked, further preventing access to resources.
In North Darfur, the situation is particularly dire. The region’s largest city, El-Fasher, has been under siege by the RSF, preventing humanitarian aid from reaching those in need. The Zamzam camp, home to nearly half a million displaced individuals, has been targeted by RSF offensives, worsening the plight of its residents. People in the camp have reported running out of basic necessities such as clean water, medical supplies, and shelter. The blockade has led to severe malnutrition among children, with medical professionals warning of a potential rise in child mortality rates.
The withdrawal of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) from Zamzam due to security concerns has left the camp without critical medical services. MSF Sudan Country Director Yahya Kalilah described the decision to halt operations as “heartbreaking,” citing the extreme dangers posed by continued violence and restricted access to supplies. Without adequate medical attention, diseases such as cholera and measles are spreading rapidly, adding another layer of urgency to the already dire situation.
RSF Forms Rival Government Despite Crisis
Despite the mounting humanitarian catastrophe, the RSF has proceeded with its plan to establish a parallel government. The group held a ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya, announcing its intention to govern Sudan independently, though international recognition remains uncertain. The RSF’s move to set up a rival administration is seen as an attempt to gain legitimacy and secure control over key regions of Sudan, particularly in the western territories.
The Sudanese army, backed by the internationally recognized government, has dismissed the RSF’s declaration. Foreign Minister Ali Youssef stated that Sudan “will not accept any other country recognizing a so-called parallel government.” Tensions between the two factions have further destabilized an already fragile nation, with ongoing clashes making humanitarian efforts even more challenging.
The United Nations has expressed concerns that the establishment of rival authorities could further fragment the country and deepen the humanitarian crisis. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson warned that Sudan’s instability could escalate if the political divide persists. The fragmentation of power within Sudan is likely to delay peace negotiations and prolong the suffering of millions caught in the conflict.
Humanitarian Groups Call for Immediate Intervention
International organizations have urged world leaders to prioritize Sudan’s humanitarian needs. Calls for lifting aid freezes, increasing diplomatic efforts, and ensuring safe corridors for food deliveries have grown louder as millions face starvation. The African Union, the UN, and humanitarian agencies continue to push for diplomatic interventions to facilitate the delivery of essential aid.
The African Union and the UN have appealed for immediate action to facilitate humanitarian access and restore stability. The WFP has emphasized the urgency of resuming food distribution to prevent a catastrophe that could claim countless lives. Experts warn that without swift intervention, Sudan could see one of the worst famines in recent history.
As Sudan’s crisis worsens, the global community must act swiftly to prevent further loss of life. The suspension of aid has left millions to fend for themselves, underscoring the need for renewed international efforts to address the country’s deepening famine. Governments and international bodies must prioritize Sudan’s crisis, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most and that peace negotiations take precedence over prolonged conflict.
