USAID cuts threaten community kitchens in Sudan amid civil war

Sudan is currently facing a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing civil war that began two years ago. In early February, Amira Abdallah, a resident of the Abu Shouk displacement camp in Darfur, anticipated receiving a meal from local volunteers. However, this meal marked the last distribution due to funding cuts, as local emergency response rooms (ERRs) ran out of financial support. The paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated violence against the inhabitants of these displacement camps, leading to numerous civilian casualties, including children. Reports indicate that at least 900 out of 1400 community kitchens operated by ERRs have ceased functioning. This shutdown follows a significant reduction in U.S. foreign aid, limiting resources for youth-led humanitarian initiatives that were crucial in addressing the needs arising from the war. Since the onset of the conflict, the U.S. provided nearly half of the global humanitarian aid, distributing around $661 million last year alone. This assistance included provisions for safe drinking water for over 8 million individuals. As a result of aid cuts, a staggering number of individuals now face starvation, and famine has been officially acknowledged in multiple areas, including the Abu Shouk camp. Reports from volunteers, such as Salah Adam, highlight the dire conditions, stating that many children now often go days without food as families search through markets for spoiled goods. The recent suspension of USAID funding strained local efforts, worsening the already critical situation for displaced populations. The Trump administration’s decision to freeze foreign assistance poses significant obstacles for groups like the Khartoum State ERR, which serves as an umbrella organization for various volunteer groups in Sudan's capital. Waleed Khojali, a volunteer, has expressed concerns that the challenges presented by the funding freeze hinder their ability to respond effectively to the immediate needs of those affected by the war. With over 12 million displaced, which makes up nearly one in four Sudanese citizens, the urgency for aid remains high. Activists and community leaders are now seeking alternative sources of funding, hoping that the situation might be re-evaluated by U.S. policymakers to restore some level of humanitarian support to these struggling communities inflicted by the consequences of conflict.