Debate: The threat of famine following the spread of conflict in Sudan
Date: WEDNESDAY, 17 JANUARY 2024
Speaker: Nicolas Schmit
Language: EN

Since the eruption of the conflict, the EU has been working with international partners and neighbouring countries in order to end the conflict. The EU encourages both warring parties to resolve their disputes via dialogue in an inclusive way, and strongly commit to a full cessation of hostilities so as to build a space for a durable peace solution in Sudan. In this regard, the EU supports the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development to secure an unconditional ceasefire and a resolution of the conflict in Sudan through political dialogue. We deplore the fact that, over a month since the 41st Extraordinary Assembly in Djibouti, neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the Rapid Support Forces have honoured any of the commitments they made there, while the suffering of the Sudanese people continues unabated. We are deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in the country. Hence, today’s debate is a timely opportunity to discuss the threat of famine caused also by the expansion of conflict and violence into the agricultural regions of Sudan. In addition to the largest internal displacement crisis in the world, with over 7 million people displaced within the country – including over 5 million displaced as a result of the conflict – the Sudanese population now faces a severe nutrition crisis, with the highest rate of child malnutrition in the world. The World Food Programme estimates that 17.7 million people will be in high levels of acute food insecurity, including close to 5 million in emergency. Under peaceful conditions, a significant number of Sudanese would be harvesting and cultivating winter wheat now, so they could provide for their households and families and support national food availability as a whole. For almost ten months of intensifying conflict and inter-communal violence, agricultural activity has been hindered, farmers cannot import, and face limited supplies at local markets, while pastoralists are unable to access grazing areas due to insecurity. Since the start of the war, the EU has stepped up its efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the region with the additional funding of EUR 60 million. Overall, the US allocated over EUR 128 million in 2023 to its humanitarian response in Sudan. EU humanitarian aid provides communities with health and nutritional care, food assistance, water and sanitation, and shelter, and also contributes to the nutritional treatment and care of children under the age of five and pregnant or breastfeeding women across Sudan. We are also working together with partners to promote safe access to humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians. The EU and its Member States’ contributions represent a third of the total international response. However, this is far from enough. The situation in Sudan has become resource-demanding since the impact of the conflict is constantly increasing and the risk of famine is rising. Honourable Members, rest assured that we remain committed to the people of Sudan. This year, the EU plans to continue supporting the population trapped in the worst conflict-affected areas, and those living in displacement hotspots, with the necessary humanitarian assistance.