Sudan is facing a severe famine crisis affecting approximately 24.6 million people due to a prolonged civil war between the military and RSF. The conflict has resulted in worsening starvation, acute malnutrition, and significant disruptions in agriculture. Recent actions from the government against food security committees highlight ongoing tensions as the humanitarian situation continues to decline.
Sudan is experiencing a deepening famine as independent food security experts report a worsening crisis marked by increasing starvation and a rise in acute malnutrition. Famine conditions have spread to five areas, affecting approximately 24.6 million individuals, which constitutes about half of Sudan’s population in dire need of food assistance. The ongoing civil war, which has persisted for 20 months, is the primary driver of this humanitarian disaster. Attempts to mediate peace between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been largely unsuccessful since their coup in 2021, leading to an escalation of violence and suffering among civilians.
The military-backed government of Sudan has recently suspended cooperation with the UN-backed Famine Review Committee (FRC), accusing it of producing unreliable reports that threaten the dignity and sovereignty of the nation. The FRC, affiliated with the Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC), initially detected famine conditions in August within the Zamzam camp in Darfur, home to around 500,000 refugees. Their latest findings reveal that famine has now affected additional camps in el-Fasher, Darfur, and other areas in South Kordofan.
Furthermore, the FRC highlighted the extreme suffering caused by famine, describing it as a catastrophic collapse of essential systems, including health, livelihoods, and social structures. They projected that if the conflict continues, five more regions may soon experience famine, with 17 others at risk. The violent conflict has effectively disrupted agricultural activities, forcing many farmers to abandon their crops amidst looting and destruction. The devastating effects of the conflict have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with estimates suggesting up to 150,000 fatalities nationwide since the onset of the civil war.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan has deteriorated significantly due to an extended civil war that began following a power struggle between the national army and the RSF after their joint coup in 2021. This conflict has had severe repercussions for civilians, particularly in Darfur and South Kordofan, where violence has extensively disrupted daily life, agriculture, and essential services. With millions facing acute food insecurity, the crisis has captured the attention of international organizations, fueling urgent calls for assistance and intervention. The role of bodies such as the IPC is crucial in assessing and responding to famine conditions globally, indicating the urgency of the situation in Sudan.
In conclusion, Sudan is confronting an escalating famine crisis stemming from a prolonged civil war, leading to unprecedented levels of hunger and suffering among its population. As famine expands across various regions, the urgent need for effective humanitarian intervention and peace efforts has never been more critical. Without a resolution to the conflict, the situation is likely to deteriorate further, exacerbating one of the worst humanitarian crises globally. It is imperative for national and international actors to prioritize addressing these dire needs and restoring peace.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
