The harrowing images from Sudan are a reminder of the stark reality of famine in the country due to ongoing conflict. The devastating humanitarian situation in Sudan is a sad consequence of a brutal war between military forces and a paramilitary group, a struggle that has torn the country apart and caused the world’s largest displacement crisis.
Food security experts from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) have revealed famine in five regions of the country, including in Sudan’s largest displacement camp, Zamzam, in North Darfur province. This announcement echoes the one made last August, marking a dramatic deterioration in the situation.
Since the conflict began in April 2023, more than 24,000 lives have been lost and more than 14 million people, or about 30% of the Sudanese population, have been forced to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. Of these, around 3.2 million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries such as Chad, Egypt and South Sudan.
The violence has resulted in atrocities, killings and rapes that are ethnically motivated, according to reports by the UN and human rights groups. The International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into the crimes, calling them war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The devastating war has plunged the country into a deep food crisis. Food is scarce on the markets and prices have risen sharply. Aid agencies are struggling to reach the most vulnerable populations, especially as the warring parties restrict access, particularly in North Darfur province.
According to Dervla Cleary of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 638,000 people are currently facing starvation, mainly in the five affected regions. In addition to Zamzam, the Abu Shouk and Al-Salam IDP camps, also in North Darfur, as well as the Western Nuba Mountains, have been hit by famine, according to the IPC report.
In addition, five other areas in North Darfur are at risk of falling into famine in the next six months, including El-Fasher, the provincial capital. Seventeen areas in the Nuba Mountains and North and South Darfur are also at risk of famine. Some areas in Khartoum and Gezira province could experience famine-like conditions, although more data are needed to confirm this critical threshold.
A total of 24.6 million Sudanese, or half the population, face high levels of acute food insecurity, according to the IPC report. This dire situation places Sudan among the three countries in the world where famine has been declared in the last 15 years, alongside South Sudan and Somalia.
In the face of this grave humanitarian crisis, it is imperative that the international community step up its efforts to provide emergency assistance to the starving people of Sudan and to end the hostilities that have caused this unprecedented disaster. The survival and dignity of the millions of people affected by this unbearable tragedy is at stake.