Sudan is facing a worsening famine crisis affecting 24.6 million people amid a civil war that has lasted over 20 months. Famine conditions have extended to five areas, with significant disruption of agricultural activities due to conflict. Experts warn of a looming humanitarian catastrophe if hostilities do not cease, while the Sudanese military government has suspended cooperation with the IPC, which first identified famine conditions in August.
Sudan is increasingly succumbing to a severe famine crisis exacerbated by the ongoing civil war, with reports from independent food security experts indicating a dire situation. The conflict has resulted in famine spreading to five regions, impacting approximately 24.6 million individuals, which accounts for half of the country’s population, thereby necessitating urgent food assistance. Mediatory efforts to resolve hostilities between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have proven ineffective, perpetuating the humanitarian catastrophe.
Initially triggered by a coup in 2021, the conflict escalated into civil war in 2023, precipitating what organizations such as the UN-backed Famine Review Committee (FRC) describe as one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally. The FRC has warned of potential worsening conditions unless an end to the violence is achieved, noting that famine is not a mere lack of nourishment but reflects a catastrophic breakdown of health, economy, and social systems.
The Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC), in collaboration with UN entities and other aid organizations, noted the initial identification of famine in August at the Zamzam camp in Darfur, where about 500,000 displaced individuals reside. The latest reports reveal that the famine has also reached Abu Shouk and al-Salam camps in El-Fasher, alongside areas in South Kordofan. The FRC anticipates that five additional regions in Darfur may face similar conditions by May, with risks indicating an extended reach to 17 other areas.
Intensified conflict has severely disrupted agricultural activities, leading to further food insecurity as many farmers abandon their crops due to violence and resource destruction. Darfur and South Kordofan have witnessed some of the most egregious violence in the conflict, including numerous civilian casualties, abductions, and assaults. As per estimates by U.S. Special Envoy Tom Perriello, the conflict has resulted in the loss of up to 150,000 lives across Sudan.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has created a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale, leading to widespread famine primarily due to conflict-related disruptions in agriculture and livelihoods. The civil war erupted after a power struggle following a coup involving the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF. Over the past 20 months, numerous international mediation efforts have been attempted but have failed to achieve a ceasefire or meaningful resolution to the conflict. Consequently, the situation has deteriorated significantly, prompting urgent calls for international humanitarian assistance.
In summary, Sudan’s descent into a humanitarian crisis marked by rampant famine is a direct consequence of continuous civil strife. With millions facing acute food insecurity, international efforts must focus on alleviating the suffering while addressing the root causes of the conflict. The ongoing violence disrupts critical agricultural activities, heightening the risk of famine spreading further and necessitating immediate and sustained humanitarian intervention.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
