The World Food Program (WFP) has called on all parties involved in the Sudan conflict to cease fighting and permit the delivery of humanitarian aid to prevent what could become one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Leni Kinzli, the official spokesperson for the WFP in Sudan, emphasized the urgency of the situation in a statement to the Al Arabiya Al Hadath news channel on Saturday.
Kinzli highlighted the worsening conditions for civilians as the conflict drags on, noting that many are now eating grass and tree leaves due to severe food shortages.
She underscored the immediate need for a ceasefire to mitigate the crisis and facilitate the distribution of essential aid.
Describing the situation in El Fasher, a city in North Darfur, Kinzli referred to it as a “nightmare,” with civilians trapped and unable to flee due to ongoing hostilities.
The conflict in Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region, has a long and complex history marked by ethnic tensions, political instability, and resource competition.
The Darfur conflict began in 2003, resulting in significant displacement and humanitarian needs. Despite various peace agreements and international interventions, the region remains volatile.
In recent months, the escalation of violence has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing food insecurity.
The World Food Program, alongside other humanitarian organizations, has been working tirelessly to provide aid, but the fighting has severely hindered access.
The WFP’s plea for a ceasefire is crucial to prevent further deterioration of the already dire situation and to allow the safe delivery of food and other essential supplies to the affected populations.
This call for a ceasefire is not the first; the international community has repeatedly urged for peace and dialogue.
However, the continuous clashes and the complexities of the conflict have made it challenging to achieve a lasting resolution.
The WFP’s latest appeal highlights the urgent need for cooperation from all sides to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.