Sudan, Khartoum: Sudan's agriculture minister has disputed reports of a famine in the country, challenging the validity of UN-supported findings that indicate 755,000 individuals are experiencing severe hunger. The minister also challenged the idea of aid agencies bypassing cross-border restrictions to deliver assistance.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated, making Sudan one of the most severe hunger crises globally. The RSF has seized large areas of the country, complicating aid efforts.

During a press conference held in Port Sudan, which is effectively the capital, Agriculture Minister Abubakr al-Bushra contended that the number of 755,000 people does not constitute a large enough segment of the population to be classified as a famine. With a population of 50 million, he suggested that the situation is not as dire as reported.

The army has obstructed aid and trade into RSF-controlled regions, where supplies are scarce, costly, and often pilfered, according to residents and aid agencies.

In late June, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)—a collaboration of UN agencies, regional organizations, and aid groups—reported that half of Sudan’s population is experiencing acute hunger, with 14 areas at risk of famine.

Famine is officially declared when at least 20% of a region's population suffers from severe hunger, along with high rates of child malnutrition and starvation-related deaths.

Al-Bushra voiced doubts regarding the data collection techniques used in areas controlled by the RSF, pointing out that indicators of malnutrition have yet to be evaluated.

Following the IPC report, an independent committee could potentially declare a famine, which might prompt the Security Council to order the lifting of army-imposed restrictions on aid routes.

The government, however, has rejected such measures. Al-Bushra stated, “We oppose forcibly opening our borders, as it could also expose us to threats from opposing states and areas controlled by militias.” Another official suggested that such actions could be part of a larger conspiracy against the country.

Aid agencies have reported that the only authorized crossing into Darfur, al-Tina, is currently inaccessible due to rain. The army contends that Adre, another crossing into West Darfur that aid agencies seek to use, has been compromised by the RSF, who allegedly use it to receive weapons.