After nearly 16 months of conflict, more than half of the Sudanese population faces acute hunger, while 14 areas could be declared at risk of famine in the coming months.

The most recent UN Integrated Ranking Index Report warned of extreme food shortages, particularly in northern Darfur, where Sudanese are seriously affected by food insecurity due to the conflict.

The population suffers from famine or Phase Five conditions of the Index, in which, at least one in five people or families suffer from extreme lack of food, starvation, or live in destitution.

This week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged political dialogue as the population’s situation in El Fasher, the capital of the state of Darfur, worsens.

Guterres warned of the devastating consequences of hostilities and called for parties to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect and allow safe passage of civilians and facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.

In addition to this, the Security Council will review the political and security developments, the humanitarian and human rights situation, and the progress made in the execution of the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan between February 16th and July 15th, 2024.

Issues such as the upcoming elections scheduled for December this year, the limited progress in implementing key electoral and political institutions, and the impact of the Sudanese war on South Sudan, will also be on the agenda.

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