Why aid isn't a lasting solution for millions facing famine in war-torn Sudan

After a year of war, millions of people in Sudan are facing displacement, violence and hunger. While the world has pledged billions in aid, the United Nations says the crisis can only be solved if Sudanese people are given the means to rebuild and produce their own food again.

Internally displaced people and refugees are impacting the already fragile economies of Sudan and its neighbours.

A conference in Paris on Monday raised more than €2 billion in international pledges that come one year after the start of fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

It's a conflict that has forced millions to flee and brought the population to the brink of famine.

Donor countries at the Paris event recognise the seriousness of Sudan's crisis and are genuine in their desire to take meaningful action, the UN Development Programme (UNDP)'s Abdallah Al Dardari, told RFI.

They know the situation in Sudan will spillover and affect the entire region.

"Investing in Sudan is actually a global public good. There is finally a sense of urgency on the issue," Al Dardari said.

Urgent need for agriculture

But emergency handouts will not offer a lasting solution. The UN needs to revive agriculture in Sudan and to bring back food production, jobs and incomes.

"There will not be a harvest next year, which means this is very serious."


Read more on RFI English

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