In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, Leni Kinzli, the World Food Programme (WFP) Spokesperson in Sudan, delves into the heart of Sudan’s unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. As conflict rages on, millions face acute food insecurity and displacement. Here, WFP shares insights into the challenges, efforts, and urgent needs in the face of adversity.
Below are edited excerpts:
Question: Can you describe the humanitarian situation in Sudan right now?
Answer: The humanitarian situation is dire. Even before the conflict erupted, we were witnessing a steady increase in food insecurity and hunger due to economic crises and inter-communal clashes, particularly in regions like Darfur. Since the conflict began over a year ago, the situation has worsened dramatically.
Currently, we estimate that at least 18 million people, or 77% of the population, are facing acute food insecurity, unsure of where their next meal will come from. This estimate, based on data from December, is expected to rise significantly in the coming months.
Adding to the challenge is the onset of the rainy season in Sudan, which typically reduces food availability. With the harvest season behind us, people will soon begin to run out of their crops. What’s particularly concerning is that this year’s crop production, especially for staples, was 40% below the five-year average nationwide. This suggests that this lean season will be even harsher than in previous years.
Q: How would you describe the current situation of displaced people in Sudan and those in neighboring countries?
A: It’s incredibly tough. I have visited Port Sudan several times since the conflict started. The majority of people who have fled there—mostly women, children, and families—have experienced multiple displacements, traveling thousands of kilometers in search of safety. For example, I recently met a woman who fled from Khartoum to Wad Madani, 200km south, only to find herself displaced again when conflict reached Madani in December.
Each time people are forced to flee, they abandon their belongings, often selling everything they own to afford transportation. With each displacement, they become increasingly vulnerable, struggling to meet basic needs like food, water, and medicine. Moreover, the conflict has decimated the agricultural sector supply chain, while drought has further damaged infrastructure nationwide. This combination of factors has created a desperate and devastating situation for civilians who are bearing the brunt of the conflict.
Q: What services is the WFP providing in terms of food, water, and shelters to these people?
A: The WFP, as the largest humanitarian agency with a focus on eradicating hunger, provides emergency food and nutrition assistance in the form of ration packages. These packages, distributed monthly, typically include staples like wheat flour or sorghum, oil, salt, and lentils. Additionally, we offer treatment and prevention of malnutrition for children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Given the current conflict, we are witnessing alarming rates of child malnutrition, with at least 4 million children affected. It is crucial to address malnutrition early to prevent long-term cognitive effects, so we provide a nutrition supplement, often a peanut paste, to help children recover.
Q: As the WFP, how many people have you managed to reach, and how many still remain out of your service zone?
A: Since the conflict began over a year ago, we have assisted over 6 million people across 17 of Sudan’s 18 states. However, significant access challenges persist, particularly in conflict hotspots like Khartoum, Jazirah State, the Kordofan region, and now in Darfur, especially around El Fasher, where clashes have intensified recently.
Our greatest concern is for those trapped in conflict areas, facing starvation without access to food or the means to leave due to ongoing fighting. For instance, I met a woman in Port Sudan who endured bombings and airstrikes in Khartoum, surviving on sorghum mixed with water. This desperate situation is a reality for millions across Sudan today.
Q: Does the WFP keep statistical records of how many people were killed or injured during the ongoing conflict?
A: No, as the WFP, we focus on food security and nutrition, not casualty figures. However, estimates suggest that over 10,000 civilians have been killed. These numbers are likely underreported, given the challenges of gathering data in conflict zones. But as the WFP, we don’t collect such data.
Q: With six million able to access your services, what is likely to happen to the 12 million who cannot receive these services in the near future?
A: We are extremely concerned about the looming hunger crisis, particularly in Darfur, where we are running out of time to prevent starvation. Currently, 18 million people in Sudan are at the highest levels of food insecurity, classified as IPC 4 out of 5 on the internationally recognized food security scale.
Our worry is that those already at the highest level will slip into catastrophic hunger, nearing starvation. Many are already resorting to extreme coping mechanisms, such as eating grass or dirt. Without increased access and assistance, this hunger crisis will only worsen, affecting more and more vulnerable people.
Q: In terms of access to the population, at what percentage could you say the area under the SAF or RSF is becoming impossible for you to access?
A: I cannot provide a percentage, but I can tell you that the majority of people facing the highest level of hunger emergency (IPC 4 out of 5) are located in conflict hotspots, where our regular access is limited. Roughly 90% of these vulnerable individuals are in areas we cannot reach regularly.
Access challenges vary; we have regular access, in terms of security, to eastern Sudan, where the Sudanese armed forces are in control. However, bureaucratic hurdles, such as clearance processes and paperwork, impede our operations.
On the other hand, crossing into areas controlled by the paramilitary rapid support forces poses significant challenges due to ongoing fighting. These obstacles are part of the daily reality of operating in one of the world’s most complex humanitarian environments.
Q: As the war continues in Sudan, have you faced any security threats in your humanitarian work?
A: Ensuring the safety of our staff and aid deliveries in this volatile context is our top priority. However, ongoing conflict poses obvious challenges, particularly in areas where fighting persists. While we take measures to mitigate risks, such as staff presence in certain regions, security concerns hinder our operations, especially in conflict zones like Darfur and Khartoum.
Q: Would you say the security situation in Sudan now is better than before, allowing access to some areas?
A: Unfortunately, the security situation in Sudan remains dire, with the conflict spreading and causing devastating humanitarian consequences for millions. As long as fighting persists without an end to the conflict, we cannot say that the security situation is improving.
Q: What areas are you covering now, and what are your plans to reach more areas in the future?
A: We have a famine prevention plan in place to scale up assistance to over 4 million people in the coming months, with plans to expand further when feasible. However, these plans are contingent upon obtaining necessary clearances and security guarantees from authorities. Accessing regions like Darfur, Nyala, and El Geneina remains challenging due to volatility. Ceasefire agreements would enable us to rapidly expand our operations.
Q: What is the budget of the WFP for this operation since the war broke out, and do you have any funding gaps?
A: Currently, we face a funding shortfall of approximately $140 million for the next six months, given the operational challenges. If we had unhindered access and a ceasefire, additional funding would be needed to scale up assistance.
Q: The EU recently announced funding to the WFP for this operation. Can you provide more details?
A: We are grateful for recent contributions from various donors, including the United States, the UK, and the EU. Additionally, donor pledges totalling $2.1 billion at the Paris conference are crucial. We urge donors to translate these pledges into concrete contributions to sustain life-saving support in Sudan.
Q: In case the WFP does not receive sufficient funding, what is the potential impact on the people in Sudan?
A: It is not just about funding; access is equally critical. Without both elements, Sudan could face the world’s largest hunger crisis. Reports of malnutrition-related deaths in camps and distressing images of emaciated individuals highlight the urgency. Unhindered access and increased funding are essential to prevent further catastrophe.
Q: It has been over a year now since some children in the camp have been out of school. Is WFP reaching out to other partners to establish mobile schools for these children?
A: One of the significant challenges in Sudan is that many people fleeing active conflict areas have sought shelter in schools. While this is not directly within WFP’s scope, during my recent field visits, I have observed efforts to reopen schools and relocate displaced individuals to temporary settlements, particularly in Port Sudan.
Previously, WFP provided lunches to school children, encouraging attendance and supporting their education. We hope to restart these meal programs once schools reopen, fostering learning and nutrition simultaneously.
Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge WFP is facing with the current situation?
A: Restricted humanitarian access remains our greatest challenge, limiting our ability to deliver aid at the necessary scale. Additionally, ongoing conflict exacerbates the urgent need for a ceasefire and mediation to address the pressing issues of hunger, health, water, and shelter among vulnerable populations.
Q: What message do you have for the warring parties in Sudan?
A: The paramount message is to prioritize ending the conflict and putting the needs of the Sudanese people first. Civilians, particularly in regions like Darfur, bear the brunt of this conflict and deserve immediate attention and action. It’s time for all parties to recognize the humanitarian toll and work towards a lasting solution.
Q: Do you think the media has a role to play in this?
A: Absolutely. Increased media coverage of the situation in Sudan would raise awareness globally about the crises and the urgent needs of the Sudanese people. This broader attention is crucial, not only for addressing the immediate humanitarian issues but also for regional stability.
Sudan’s challenges extend beyond its borders, impacting neighboring countries like Chad and South Sudan and the wider East African region. Therefore, media attention is vital to garnering international support and action.