Impact of US Aid Suspension on Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis

The U.S. aid suspension has led to the closure of 80% of emergency kitchens in Sudan, affecting nearly two million people in desperate need due to the ongoing civil war. Local aid networks are overwhelmed as funding disappears, exacerbating the hunger crisis and leading to a growing refugee situation. Organizations continue to struggle to provide aid amidst significant uncertainty about future support from the U.S. government.

Recent reports have revealed that the suspension of U.S. humanitarian assistance to Sudan has resulted in the closure of approximately 80% of emergency food kitchens, which were established to aid individuals devastated by the ongoing civil war. Volunteer aid workers indicated that over 1,100 communal kitchens have ceased operations since the implementation of an executive order by President Trump, which halted contributions from USAID for an evaluation period of 90 days. This situation impacts nearly two million vulnerable individuals who are struggling to survive amidst the escalating conflict.

The war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which erupted in April 2023, has led to tens of thousands of deaths and has displaced millions, exacerbating the risk of famine among affected populations. Emergency response rooms, consisting of grassroots activists, have remained at the forefront of crisis relief efforts in their communities. As articulated by Duaa Tariq, an organizer, people are increasingly desperate, “screaming from hunger in the streets.”

With the U.S. aid freeze, there is heightened confusion regarding the protocols for emergency assistance. Although a waiver has been introduced for emergency food aid, many local groups are uncertain regarding its implementation and whether cash assistance, critical for communal kitchens, will resume. Even before the cut, USAID provided a significant portion of funding, estimated at up to 80%, for cash-based food programs.

The extensive closure of emergency kitchens is perceived as a major setback in addressing the hunger crisis in Sudan, where famine-like conditions are reported in numerous regions. Initially, the feeding centers relied on community donations, but they later transitioned to receiving funds from international organizations, including USAID. According to Andrea Tracy, a former USAID official, the funding freeze poses a grave challenge: “These volunteers were challenging us to work differently, and we were responding.”

The ramifications of the U.S. aid suspension extend beyond Sudan’s borders, as more than two million people have fled to neighboring countries, increasing the strain on limited resources. Many refugees have emerged from conflict-impacted agricultural regions, and the disruption of their livelihoods has compounded their challenges. Currently, the situation remains dire, with humanitarian agencies grappling with underfunding and resource scarcity.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that refugee populations are often down to one meal per day, primarily feeding children and the elderly. As Rania Dagesh of the World Food Programme noted, families are visibly suffering from malnutrition, with many women struggling to provide basic nourishment for their infants. Despite their hardships, local communities continue to provide refuge and share meager resources with those escaping the conflict.

With aid organizations struggling to meet critical needs, the suspension of emergency kitchens further endangers the welfare of displaced populations. The UNHCR has been forced to minimize interventions, providing only the bare necessities amidst severe funding shortages. In response to the challenges, refugees have sought refuge in other countries, facing substantial risks during their journey. Several individuals are embarking on perilous routes in search of safety and sustenance, reflecting the desperate situation in the region.

The recent suspension of U.S. humanitarian assistance has severely impacted Sudan, leading to the closure of most emergency food kitchens and placing millions at risk of hunger. The ongoing civil war continues to displace individuals, while aid organizations struggle with funding shortfalls. Efforts by local communities and international organizations to provide relief are not sufficient to meet the escalating needs of those affected by the conflict. Without significant changes or restored aid, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan is likely to worsen dramatically.

Original Source: www.bbc.com