The U.S. suspension of humanitarian aid has shut down nearly 80% of emergency food kitchens in Sudan, affecting two million people amid ongoing conflict. Grassroots organizations report severe hunger as funding mechanisms falter; volunteers face a humanitarian crisis. Despite some exemptions, the uncertainty surrounding future aid complicates efforts to alleviate growing needs.
The U.S. government’s suspension of humanitarian assistance has led to the shutdown of approximately 80% of emergency food kitchens in Sudan, severely impacting nearly two million people dependent on them. The decision stems from an executive order by former President Trump to pause U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding for a period of 90 days, resulting in closure of over 1,100 communal kitchens operated by grassroots organizations. Volunteers report desperate pleas from those suffering from hunger as the ongoing conflict exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.
Since April 2023, the violent clash between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces has caused significant loss of life, displacement of millions, and widespread famine. Emergency response teams, originally primarily funded through community contributions, became crucial as international sources like USAID began providing support in the midst of conflict. The halt in this assistance has raised alarming concerns about the worsening situation as food stocks dwindle in kitchens across the capital, Khartoum.
Organizers, including Duaa Tariq, express growing alarm over the current circumstances where families are turning to volunteers in desperation for food. “People are screaming from hunger in the streets,” Tariq reported, highlighting the immediate human cost of the funding freeze. While the State Department has allowed some exemptions for emergency food assistance, confusion surrounds the processes for securing these funds as traditional USAID channels have been disrupted.
Despite a potential pathway for further funding, many aid workers anticipate that even if assistance resumes, it will not mirror the previous levels of support. Aid efforts, especially those provided by private coalitions, now face a monumental challenge to fill the void left by the cut in government aid. Andrea Tracy, a former USAID official, categorized the aid cuts as a significant setback in addressing one of the world’s most pressing hunger crises.
Currently, the World Food Programme is grappling with an uncertain future of funding amidst a broader shift in U.S. policy towards foreign aid, which has ongoing implications for Sudanese refugees. An estimated two million civilians have fled into neighboring countries due to violence and hunger. UN officials commented on the devastating effects of weakened aid, noting that many refugees suffer the compounded trials of food scarcity and violence in temporary camps.
In summary, the drastic reduction in U.S. humanitarian aid to Sudan has resulted in the closure of crucial emergency food kitchens that have provided much-needed support to millions facing hunger amidst ongoing conflict. Despite exemptions for emergency assistance, uncertainty and confusion surrounding funding mechanisms persist. Aid organizations continue to seek support, yet face significant challenges as they strive to address immediate humanitarian needs while navigating a changing landscape of international aid policy.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
