Millions in Sudan Face Acute Hunger Amid Ongoing Conflict
Almost 20 million people, over 40% of the population, face acute hunger due to ongoing war and economic devastation.
CAIRO: A report by a global hunger monitor reveals that almost 19.5 million people in Sudan, representing more than 40 percent of the total population, are currently facing acute hunger.
This situation has emerged as a direct consequence of the country's three-year-old conflict, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and severely impacted the economy, agriculture, and resulted in the displacement of approximately 14 million individuals.
According to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), while the number of those facing acute hunger is slightly lower than the estimate of 21.2 million people reported last fall, still, 14 regions within North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan states remain at risk of famine.
In these areas, including cities such as Al-Fashir and Kadugli, a total of 135,000 individuals are facing catastrophic levels of hunger.
In recent developments, the Rapid Support Forces' takeover of Al-Fashir has largely emptied the city, while the army's lifting of the siege on Kadugli this year has provided some relief.
However, drone warfare has become increasingly prevalent, with at least 880 civilian casualties reported since January by the UN's human rights office.
These attacks have targeted critical infrastructure such as markets, hospitals, and power stations.
The IPC warns that ongoing hostilities, particularly around major supply routes like El Obeid in North Kordofan, continue to heighten risks of further deteriorating conditions due to the possibility of renewed siege-like situations.
Furthermore, 825,000 children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition as aid deliveries become increasingly challenging due to insecurity, access restrictions, and budget cuts.
Sudan's upcoming rainy season, which typically begins in July and coincides with the leaner planting season, is anticipated to exacerbate these conditions.
Areas at risk of famine include regions in North Darfur housing those fleeing Al-Fashir, such as Tina, Um Baru, and Kernoi, which have faced drone attacks and continued fighting as the RSF consolidates its control.
The broader regional Iran crisis threatens further complications by driving up food, fuel, and fertilizer prices, ultimately diminishing the likelihood of a successful harvest later in the year.
This situation has emerged as a direct consequence of the country's three-year-old conflict, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and severely impacted the economy, agriculture, and resulted in the displacement of approximately 14 million individuals.
According to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), while the number of those facing acute hunger is slightly lower than the estimate of 21.2 million people reported last fall, still, 14 regions within North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan states remain at risk of famine.
In these areas, including cities such as Al-Fashir and Kadugli, a total of 135,000 individuals are facing catastrophic levels of hunger.
In recent developments, the Rapid Support Forces' takeover of Al-Fashir has largely emptied the city, while the army's lifting of the siege on Kadugli this year has provided some relief.
However, drone warfare has become increasingly prevalent, with at least 880 civilian casualties reported since January by the UN's human rights office.
These attacks have targeted critical infrastructure such as markets, hospitals, and power stations.
The IPC warns that ongoing hostilities, particularly around major supply routes like El Obeid in North Kordofan, continue to heighten risks of further deteriorating conditions due to the possibility of renewed siege-like situations.
Furthermore, 825,000 children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition as aid deliveries become increasingly challenging due to insecurity, access restrictions, and budget cuts.
Sudan's upcoming rainy season, which typically begins in July and coincides with the leaner planting season, is anticipated to exacerbate these conditions.
Areas at risk of famine include regions in North Darfur housing those fleeing Al-Fashir, such as Tina, Um Baru, and Kernoi, which have faced drone attacks and continued fighting as the RSF consolidates its control.
The broader regional Iran crisis threatens further complications by driving up food, fuel, and fertilizer prices, ultimately diminishing the likelihood of a successful harvest later in the year.
