Sudan Withdraws from Food Security Monitoring System

The Sudanese government has announced its withdrawal from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system, just before a report is expected to reveal the spread of famine across the country. This decision, made by Agriculture Minister Abu Baker al-Beshri, cites concerns over the IPC's reliability and its perceived undermining of Sudan's sovereignty. The IPC's forthcoming report is anticipated to confirm famine conditions in five regions, with projections indicating an expansion to ten regions by May due to ongoing civil conflict and limited humanitarian access. Critics argue that this withdrawal will hinder international efforts to address a worsening hunger crisis, as the IPC serves as a critical tool for assessing food emergencies. Observers note that the civil war, which began in April 2023, has severely disrupted data collection and humanitarian aid. The situation remains dire, with many Sudanese residents resorting to extreme measures for survival, such as consuming tree leaves.