On Monday, the United Nations accused that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces were preventing supplies from reaching the famine-stricken Darfur area of the war-torn nation.
Darfur is a western region the size of France that is largely under the authority of the RSF, which has been at war with the regular army since April 2023.
According to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, famine has been declared in three regions of North Darfur and is predicted to spread to five more by May. According to IPC data, about seven million people in Darfur are experiencing crisis levels of starvation.
Since the start of the war, humanitarian workers have reported obstruction by both sides, looting of aid, and threats against relief staff. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, uprooted 12 million, and created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.
The United Nations on Monday called for simplified bureaucratic procedures and an end to undue interference, “including demands for logistical support or mandatory engagement with selected vendors.” Over 25 million people in Sudan are facing severe food insecurity, according to the UN.