Joint ministerial statement on the risk of famine in Sudan
Thirty-two governments warn famine threatens Sudan unless aid access is immediately expanded and funding is scaled up to reach 19.5 million food-insecure people.
Thirty-two governments issued a joint statement warning that Sudan faces an imminent risk of famine as acute food insecurity rises to 19.5 million people, 41% of the population. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has flagged the crisis, with 5 million people already at emergency levels. Without urgent action, severe acute malnutrition among children could surpass 825,000, while food-insecure areas are projected to double from 14 to 28.
Conflict is identified as the primary driver of hunger, displacing millions, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting healthcare, food production, supply chains, and markets. Systematic obstruction of aid and El Niño-related drought affecting over half of Sudan further intensify the crisis. The statement urges warring parties to lift all impediments to humanitarian access and protect aid workers and sites.
The ministers call on parties to the conflict to authorize crossline and cross-border aid routes, including air access into Darfur, and to remove bureaucratic barriers such as visa delays and additional permits. They also demand protection of civilian infrastructure, including agriculture and food systems, and improved civil-military coordination to ensure safe humanitarian operations.
The international community is urged to rapidly scale up funding and adapt programmes to address food insecurity, focusing on areas of greatest need. Support for the winter cropping season and locally led responses is emphasized to avert famine. The statement reaffirms solidarity with Sudanese civilians and humanitarian workers operating under extreme conditions.