During her visit to South Sudan, McCain emphasized the urgent need for action to avert this catastrophe, as millions of lives hang in the balance amidst escalating violence and displacement.

"The war in Sudan risks triggering the world's largest hunger crisis," McCain stated, stressing the critical importance of international attention and assistance to address the worsening situation.

With over 25 million people across Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad facing deteriorating food security, WFP's efforts to provide emergency food assistance are hampered by ongoing violence and interference by warring parties. The majority of those in urgent need of aid in Sudan are located in areas inaccessible to WFP due to conflict.

The revocation of permissions for cross-border truck convoys has further disrupted humanitarian efforts, with WFP forced to halt operations from Chad into Darfur. This decision has severely impacted over one million people who relied on this lifeline route for assistance.

McCain's visit to eastern South Sudan highlighted the dire conditions faced by almost 600,000 Sudanese refugees who have fled to the region in the last 10 months. The overcrowded transit camps are struggling to meet the needs of hungry families, with significant levels of malnutrition among children.

Urgent action is needed to address the escalating food insecurity in Sudan and its neighboring countries, including unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations and increased funding to respond to the crisis.

McCain emphasized the critical importance of halting hostilities and achieving lasting peace to prevent further escalation and mitigate the devastating impact on millions of lives in the region. (ILKHA)