In brief
The Famine Early Warning System Network (Fewsnet), crucial for predicting global famine, has gone offline following President Donald Trump's order for a 90-day freeze on most US foreign assistance. Established after the catastrophic 1984 Ethiopian famine by agencies including USAID and NASA, Fewsnet employs sophisticated weather and political analysis to forecast drought and food shortages globally. It has previously played a vital role in addressing food insecurity during crises, such as the 2016 drought in the Horn of Africa and the ongoing famine in Sudan.
According to sources, the network's briefing service was halted in response to the foreign aid freeze which encompasses approximately $70 billion annually, except for emergency food aid and military support to specific countries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated some projects may qualify for waivers, but outlines governing these exemptions remain unclear, leading to confusion within the global aid community. Previous operators of the system have underscored its unrivaled value in predicting famine, emphasizing its importance for preemptive humanitarian efforts.
