.Trucks loaded with food are waiting to be sent to Darfur. WFP: Darfur at risk of mass famine Peace and security
The UN World Food Program (WFP) warned on Friday that time is running out to prevent famine in Darfur, as intensifying clashes in North Darfur’s capital El Fasher hamper efforts to deliver life-saving food aid to region.
Civilians in El Fasher and the wider Darfur region are already facing catastrophic levels of hunger, with aid supplies hampered by fighting and bureaucratic obstacles. Due to escalating violence around El Fasher, aid convoys from the Tine border crossing with Chad are no longer arriving there.
There are no restrictions from Port Sudan authorities allow WFP to transport aid through Adré, the second of two viable cross-border corridors from Chad. This route could serve Western Darfur and other populated areas in the province. Access restrictions threaten WFP’s plans to help more than 700,000 people ahead of the rainy season, when many roads in Darfur become impassable.
“WFP urgently needs unrestricted access and security guarantees to deliver assistance to families struggling to survive in the face of devastating violence,” said Michael Dunford, WFP Regional Director for East Africa. “We must be able to use the Adre border crossing and transport aid across the front lines from Port Sudan.”
The recent surge in violence in El Fasher is exacerbating critical humanitarian needs in Darfur. where at least 1.7 million people are already hungry. Before this, El Fasher was a relative safe haven for families, with many camps for internally displaced people. However, living conditions were already critical, with reports of children dying from malnutrition.
“The situation is dire,” said Michael Dunford. – People are forced to eat grass and peanut shells. If help does not reach them soon, we risk widespread famine and death in Darfur and other conflict-affected areas of Sudan.”
Over the past six weeks, WFP has delivered emergency food and nutrition assistance to more than 300,000 people in North, West and Central Darfur using the Tine and Adre border crossings and the through route from Port Sudan, the result of lengthy negotiations. Apparently, the progress was short-lived: all routes are now blocked.
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