Baghdad: The Regional Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) for East and Southern Africa, Eric Berdison, warned today of a hunger catastrophe threatening hundreds of thousands of residents in El Fasher, North Darfur State, Sudan, as a result of the ongoing war and the blockade that hinders the delivery of humanitarian aid.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Berdison stated that the residents of El Fasher "have exhausted all available coping mechanisms due to the war," highlighting that the WFP provides cash support to about a quarter of a million people in the city. However, this aid is insufficient to meet the growing needs due to the ongoing blockade that prevents the arrival of necessary food supplies, increasing the risk of death by starvation. He emphasized that "people will die without immediate and sustained access for humanitarian workers."

Corinne Fleischer, Director of Supply Chain and Aid Delivery at the WFP, confirmed the programme's readiness to send trucks loaded with food aid to El Fasher. However, she stressed the need for guarantees of safe passage amid the complex security situation.

North Darfur is experiencing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with approximately 25 million people across the country suffering from acute hunger, including 3.5 million women and children suffering from malnutrition.

The WFP is requesting approximately $645 million in support over the next six months to continue providing emergency food and cash assistance in Sudan.