The U.S. aid freeze has led to the shutdown of 80% of emergency food kitchens in Sudan, drastically affecting nearly two million people amid ongoing conflict. The situation remains dire, with aid organizations warning of exacerbating hunger and widespread displacement due to the civil war. Efforts to fill the gap left by USAID are underway, yet substantial uncertainty about future assistance persists.
The recent cut in U.S. humanitarian aid to Sudan has led to the closure of around 80% of emergency food kitchens aiding those affected by the civil war. This initiative, primarily organized by local activists, has been crucial for nearly two million people facing severe food shortages as a result of ongoing conflicts. The freeze, initiated by President Donald Trump, ceased all assistance for 90 days, prompting significant disruptions to food supplies.
The turmoil in Sudan, stemming from clashes between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has resulted in widespread displacement and hunger since its initiation in April 2023. Emergency kitchens, vital for community aid, are now largely shut down, leaving many individuals in desperate need. Duaa Tariq, an organizer, reported that “people are screaming from hunger in the streets,” highlighting the severity of the crisis.
Although the State Department has laid out an exemption for emergency food assistance, local groups express considerable uncertainty regarding its implementation. The usual pathways for obtaining necessary waivers and funding from USAID have been disrupted, leaving food kitchens without cash assistance critical for their operations. Estimates suggest that USAID previously accounted for up to 80% of funding for these essential aid programs.
Organizations aimed at combating famine view the ongoing closures of kitchens as a profound setback, particularly as conditions worsen across several regions in Sudan. Former USAID official Andrea Tracy described the situation as a “huge setback” for those providing emergency support, underscoring the urgent need for restoration of aid to prevent further suffering.
In response to the aid freeze, Tracy’s newly established Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition is attempting to fill gaps left by USAID. “We can shore up [the emergency kitchens],” she noted, but acknowledged that private donations would be insufficient to fully compensate for the loss of U.S. funding. The local volunteers, now overstretched and under-resourced, continue to seek support amid an escalating crisis.
Despite statements from the State Department focusing on restructuring aid rather than eliminating it, the future of U.S. assistance remains ambiguous. The World Food Programme has received waivers for existing grants, but without clear guidance on future funding, their plans for aid may falter. The ripple effects of reduced assistance extend to neighboring countries, where millions have sought refuge.
Rania Dagesh from the WFP reported observing refugees who had escaped conflict yet were still confronting extreme hunger. The influx of displaced individuals has further strained resources in host countries, resulting in dire living conditions. Many families are now rationing food, leading to alarming rates of malnutrition, particularly among children and the elderly.
Aid agencies already operating under limited budgets now face additional obstacles due to the U.S. policy shift. The UNHCR had previously reported significant shortfalls in funding, compelling them to reduce vital assistance to refugees. With the recent aid freeze, organizations expressed concerns over their ability to fulfill the growing humanitarian needs in Sudan and beyond.
Increasing numbers of refugees are engaging in perilous journeys in search of safety, with some choosing to relocate to third countries. The persistence of violence in Sudan exacerbates the dire food security situation, compelling many to seek refuge in locations far removed from their home communities. Without immediate international support, the anticipated humanitarian needs are expected to surge further in the coming months.
The suspension of U.S. humanitarian assistance to Sudan has critically impacted emergency food services, leaving millions facing hunger amid ongoing conflict. While the State Department seeks to reassess aid provisions, local networks and organizations warn of growing desperation. Significant confusion surrounds the future of food assistance, raising concerns that conditions may deteriorate further, not only within Sudan but also in neighboring regions that are burdened by an influx of refugees.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
