Food insecurity and rising levels of malnutrition have engulfed two troubled Sudanese States of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, which have been riddled with ethnic and political conflict since May last year.
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos today met with Sudan’s Social Welfare Minister Amira Al Fadil in Khartoum to discuss the possible solutions to the escalating problem of food insecurity in the region.
Ms. Amos stressed the need for “a long-term political solution” to the crisis in the Sudanese states of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile.
After her meeting with the minister, Ms. Amos outlined a four-point plan promoting cooperation between the UN and Sudan in an effort to halt the escalating food crisis in the restive states.
“We have agreed with the Government of Sudan to share information and data pertaining to the humanitarian situation in the two states in order to ensure that we meet the needs of the people.” -Ms. Amos
Clashes between the Sudanese armed forces and rebels over the past few months in both states displaced tens of thousands of people.
The fighting has disrupted the major crop season in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan – two of Sudan’s main sorghum producing areas, according to the Rome-based agency.
In South Kordofan, people fled at the start of the planting season and were unable to sow seeds, while in Blue Nile, fighting erupted later in the season so seeds were planted but people were forced to abandon their crops.
The two regions lie on the border between Sudan and the newly-independent nation of South Sudan.
