The United Nations Deputy Secretary‑General Amina Mohammed warned world leaders that food is being used as a weapon in conflicts worldwide. Speaking to the UN Security Council, she said armed conflict and violence are the primary drivers of food insecurity in most of the planet’s hunger hotspots. Mohammed emphasized that the deliberate destruction of agricultural systems and starvation tactics are having a global impact. She noted that 295 million people faced acute hunger last year, an increase of 14 million from the previous year, and criticized countries for prioritising military spending over efforts to combat hunger.
Mohammed specifically highlighted Gaza, Sudan and Yemen as regions with severe acute food insecurity. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared famine in Gaza and in Sudan’s cities of El‑Fasher and Kadugli. The African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems described Africa as the “epicentre of global hunger,” despite the continent holding 60 percent of the world’s arable land and possessing great potential for sustainable agricultural innovation. Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio called for solidarity to unlock Africa’s capacity to feed itself and the world, stressing that what is needed is not sympathy but concrete action to address hunger in conflict.
UN representatives also underscored the importance of humanitarian aid to prevent and alleviate hunger in conflict zones. The situation in Africa is particularly concerning, with the continent facing significant challenges in tackling food insecurity. The African Union has called for increased support to address the root causes of hunger and to promote sustainable agriculture. The international community has been urged to act decisively to confront the global hunger crisis, which is devastating millions of people worldwide. The UN has called for greater investment in sustainable agriculture and humanitarian assistance to ensure that millions have access to food and nutrition.
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