Egypt: How WFP signs up refugees from Sudan for cash grants in three minutes
Story | 1 June 2023
Emergency
The combined effects of conflict, economic crisis, climate shocks and poor harvests are significantly affecting people’s access to food in Sudan.
A record number of people, approximately one-third of the population, was already facing hunger before the current conflict erupted.
The ongoing violence has the potential to plunge millions more people into hunger. After a brief pause due to ongoing unrest and insecurity, WFP has restarted its operations in the country to address the immediate needs of refugees, host communities and internally displaced people. WFP has activated its highest level of emergency response for the operation in Sudan.
Tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees are fleeing to escape the violence – most of them heading to Egypt, South Sudan and Chad. WFP is assisting newly arrived refugees with emergency food assistance. However, WFP is concerned about the food security situation in neighbouring countries, many of which are already dealing with multiple crises of their own.
The depreciation of the Sudanese Pound, in addition to rising food and transportation costs, also makes it harder for families to put food on the table. The conflict in Ukraine is causing spikes in food costs, as Sudan is dependent on wheat imports from the Black Sea region. Interruption to the flow of grain into Sudan will increase prices and make it difficult to import wheat.
WFP needs US$728 million to ensure immediate life-saving assistance reaches people whose lives have been upended by the ongoing conflict.