Western Powers Warn of Famine in Sudan as Nyala Is Struck
The United States, the European Union and 30 countries, Britain among them, warned of an “alarming deterioration” in Sudan’s food security and urged both sides to lift impediments to aid. Hours later a drone strike on a market in Nyala, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces’ de facto capital, killed at least 21 people.
The joint statement, released by the State Department, warns that without immediate action the number of children with severe acute malnutrition “could exceed the projected 825,000”, and asks for access across front lines and by air into Darfur. The UN-backed hunger monitor said in June that 5.1 million Sudanese faced severe hunger, with an El Niño drought driving up prices. A medic at Nyala Hospital said 21 were killed and more than 40 injured on Monday evening; residents said the market was frequented by RSF fighters. The army regularly strikes the city, where the RSF has declared a rival administration. Washington said last month that neither side represents legitimate government.