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WFP Warns of Worsening Hunger Crisis in Sudan

by VOA News

   The World Food Program warned Wednesday about what it called a
   "deepening hunger crisis" in Sudan where months of conflict, high food
   prices and lower crop yields have left an increasing number of people
   without enough to eat.

   The U.N. agency said already during the current harvest season the
   number of people going hungry is at the highest levels on record,
   despite being the months in which food supply is generally at its
   highest.

   The World Food Program warned that without a significant increase in
   food aid, areas most affected by conflict could experience
   "catastrophic hunger" by the time the off-season arrives in May.

   "We urgently call on all parties to the conflict for a humanitarian
   pause and unfettered access to avert a hunger catastrophe in the
   upcoming lean season," WFP Country Director and Representative in Sudan
   Eddie Rowe said in a statement. "Lives depend on it, yet there are far
   too many people trapped in areas with active fighting who we can only
   reach sporadically, if at all."

   Fighting between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces
   erupted in April and repeated efforts to achieve a cease-fire have
   failed.