Lamola sounds alarm over threat of famine in Sudan amid ongoing conflict

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation warned of a growing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has caused widespread devastation.

FILE: This picture taken on 30 May 2024, shows damaged shops in Omdurman. War has raged for more than a year in Sudan between the regular military under army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Picture: AFP

JOHANNESBURG - Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has sounded the alarm over the threat of famine in Sudan, which has been ravaged by conflict for months.

At an interfaith prayer vigil in Soweto on Sunday, hosted by the African National Congress (ANC) in solidarity with Palestine, Lamola addressed supporters gathered at the Regina Mundi Church.

He warned of a growing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has caused widespread devastation.

Lamola called for urgent peace efforts in the region to prevent the looming famine.

“We call upon the conflicting parties to respect and uphold their obligations under international law, and humanitarian law. By protecting civilians from harm and preventing any further destruction of civil infrastructure. This now may lead into famine, It is against this background that all people of the world, must stand up."

The conflict in Sudan, which started in April 2023, has already displaced millions, with fears that without action, famine will soon grip the region.