Suspension of US Aid Leads to Food Crisis in Sudan

The suspension of US aid in Sudan has resulted in the closure of almost 80% of emergency food kitchens, impacting nearly two million people amid ongoing conflict and famine. The recent cuts highlight a significant worsening of the humanitarian crisis, raising fears of mass starvation as grassroots efforts struggle with funding uncertainties.

The suspension of US humanitarian assistance to Sudan has led to the closure of nearly 80% of the emergency food kitchens assisting those affected by the prolonged civil war. More than 1,100 communal kitchens, crucial for feeding nearly two million people, have been shut down since the implementation of President Trump’s executive order halting aid for 90 days. The ongoing conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has exacerbated famine conditions since escalating in April 2023.

Grassroots activists, known as emergency response rooms, have been vital in providing relief despite the chaos. “People are knocking on the volunteers’ doors; people are screaming from hunger in the streets,” states Duaa Tariq, an organizer. Although the State Department has issued an exemption for emergency food assistance, significant confusion remains around its application, particularly concerning cash assistance, which these kitchens heavily rely upon.

The halting of aid from USAID is viewed as a major setback in addressing the severe hunger crisis, evident as famine conditions have emerged in multiple locations throughout Sudan. Although these kitchens initially depended on community donations, international aid began flowing to support them. However, the recent cuts leave many lacking essential food supplies, with dire predictions of rising starvation among the vulnerable.

Former USAID official Andrea Tracy remarked that the cuts hindered the ability to stock the kitchens across six Khartoum neighborhoods as the army’s advance worsens conditions. As some kitchens attempt to secure food on credit from local suppliers, the ongoing strife and resource shortages threaten to escalate the humanitarian crisis further. Tracy’s Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition aims to compensate for the loss of USAID support, emphasizing the need for sustained assistance.

In summary, the recent cessation of US aid to Sudan has led to the closure of the majority of emergency food kitchens, further exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The cuts directly impact millions facing starvation and displacement amidst continued violence. As organizations strive to provide relief with limited resources, the uncertainty surrounding future funding deepens the crisis, leaving countless vulnerable individuals in perilous situations.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk