Sudan is facing a worsening famine crisis affecting 24.6 million individuals due to a prolonged civil war. Various regions in Darfur and South Kordofan are suffering from famine conditions, leading to acute malnutrition and food scarcity. Despite numerous mediation attempts, the conflict continues to escalate, raising concerns among humanitarian organizations about the potential for a greater catastrophe if not addressed.
Sudan is currently experiencing an escalating famine crisis, exacerbated by a protracted civil war lasting over 20 months. An independent group of food security specialists reports that famine conditions have emerged in five specific regions, impacting approximately 24.6 million individuals, or nearly half of the nation’s populace, who are in urgent need of food assistance. Rooted in a violent power struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the ongoing conflict has precipitated one of the most severe humanitarian disasters globally.
Efforts to mediate peace between the conflicting factions have repeatedly failed since their initial joint coup in 2021, which has led to widespread instability. The UN-backed Famine Review Committee (FRC), associated with the Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC), warns of an impending greater catastrophe if hostilities continue. The government, however, has suspended its cooperation with this committee, alleging that its reports threaten Sudan’s sovereignty.
Famine was first identified in the Zamzam camp in Darfur during August, impacting around 500,000 displaced individuals. According to the FRC’s recent findings, famine also affects the Abu Shouk and al-Salam camps in el-Fasher, alongside two areas in South Kordofan state. They emphasize that famine transcends mere food scarcity, describing it as a profound failure of health systems, livelihoods, and social structures, leaving communities in dire straits.
The FRC has projected that additional regions in Darfur may face famine by May, with the potential for a total of 22 areas being vulnerable. Intense conflict has severely disrupted agricultural activities, forcing farmers to abandon their crops amidst wanton destruction and looting. Both Darfur and South Kordofan remain areas of extreme violence, leading to significant casualties and human rights abuses.
The ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, initiated by a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF, has dramatically deteriorated food security across the nation. This civil war, which began in 2023 following a coup in 2021, has caused widespread instability and violence, displacing millions and exacerbating humanitarian crises. The conflict has hampered agricultural productivity critically, leading to acute food shortages and malnutrition, with various international organizations highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
In conclusion, Sudan is grappling with a severe famine crisis largely attributed to a devastating civil war. With millions at risk and conditions worsening, there is an urgent need for international intervention. The failure of mediation efforts thus far raises alarms about the potential for an even greater humanitarian disaster, necessitating immediate action to address the underlying conflict and its dire impacts on food security.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
