Famine is spreading in North Darfur in western Sudan, UN-backed monitors reported Thursday. The crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of a civil war that began in April 2023, impacting millions across the country.
Worsening Food Security
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced nearly 11 million people and resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, contributing to what has been described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) – a UN system for assessing food insecurity – reported Thursday that famine thresholds for acute malnutrition have been surpassed in Um Baru and Kernoi, areas near the Chad border.
Malnutrition rates in Um Baru are nearly double the famine threshold, according to the IPC. These rates “suggest an increased risk of excess mortality and raise concern that nearby areas may be experiencing similar catastrophic conditions.”
Aid Access Severely Limited
Humanitarian organizations face significant challenges in reaching those in need. Monitors report that the population in el-Fasher town remains largely inaccessible. Escalating conflict along the Sudan-Chad border also threatens the vital supply route from Chad, potentially cutting off assistance to millions in Greater Darfur.
The situation has deteriorated since the RSF takeover of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, following an 18-month siege. This, combined with “massive displacement” of civilians, is driving up acute food insecurity and malnutrition. Following the city’s fall in October, reports emerged of mass killings, abductions, and rape, prompting at least 127,000 people to flee to surrounding towns.
Expanding Crisis
Famine conditions, already confirmed in El-Fasher and South Kordofan’s capital, Kadugli, nearly three months ago, are now at risk of spreading to 20 additional areas in Darfur and Kordofan. Kordofan has become a key battleground, displacing around 88,000 people since October. Kadugli has been under RSF siege for much of the war.
Recent violence underscores the precarious situation. An RSF attack on a hospital in Kouik, South Kordofan, on Thursday resulted in 22 deaths and eight injuries, according to the Sudan Doctors’ Network. The group reports this was part of a series of attacks that have rendered several hospitals in the state inoperable.
The UN estimates that nearly half of Sudan’s population – over 21 million people – are facing acute food insecurity and lack adequate supplies. Furthermore, 4.2 million people are at risk of acute malnutrition this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently experiencing famine conditions?
According to the IPC report, famine thresholds have been surpassed in Um Baru and Kernoi, contested areas near the Chad border. Famine conditions were previously confirmed in El-Fasher and Kadugli.
How many people have been displaced by the conflict?
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has displaced nearly 11 million people, according to the report.
What is hindering aid delivery?
Humanitarian access across Sudan remains severely restricted. The population in el-Fasher is largely inaccessible, and escalating conflict along the Sudan-Chad border threatens the essential supply route from Chad.
What further steps might be taken to address this escalating crisis?
