The European Union, United States, United Kingdom and other countries have warned of looming famine in Sudan, calling on parties to the conflict to remove restrictions on humanitarian assistance and allow aid to reach millions facing severe food insecurity.

In a joint statement, the countries said an estimated 19.5 million people, representing 41 per cent of Sudan’s population, were experiencing acute food insecurity, including five million facing emergency levels.

They warned that the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition could exceed the projected 825,000 without immediate intervention while the number of food-insecure areas, initially assessed at 14, was expected to double.

The statement attributed the crisis primarily to the ongoing conflict, which has displaced millions, damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted healthcare services, food production, supply chains and markets.

The statement added that restrictions on humanitarian assistance and the effects of El Niño, including reduced rainfall and drought across more than half of Sudan, have worsened the situation.

The countries urged the warring parties to facilitate safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, authorise aid operations through cross-border and crossline routes, including air access into Darfur, and protect humanitarian workers.

They also called for faster visa and customs clearance as well as end to attacks on civilian infrastructure, particularly agricultural and food systems.

They further called on the international community to increase emergency funding, support the winter cropping season and strengthen locally led responses to avert famine, stressing that immediate action is necessary to save lives and ensure assistance reach the most vulnerable.