The United Nations has sounded the alarm over the deepening food insecurity in Sudan, warning of famine conditions in several areas as conflict continues to devastate the country.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), famine has been identified in at least five locations, including displacement camps in North Darfur and areas in the western Nuba Mountains of South Kordofan. Additionally, five other regions are at high risk of famine in the coming months.
The UN reports that more than 24.6 million people, over half of Sudan’s population, are currently experiencing acute food insecurity. The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted humanitarian efforts, with restrictions on the movement of supplies and aid personnel worsening the situation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating conditions, urging all parties to allow rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. He reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities to save lives and prevent further escalation of the crisis, which could have significant repercussions on neighboring countries in 2025.
Guterres also called for increased international support and appealed for greater funding to address the growing humanitarian needs in Sudan.
Since the conflict erupted in April 2023 between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the nation has faced a dire humanitarian crisis. The violence, rooted in disputes over military reform and integration, has claimed over 20,000 lives, displaced millions, and left more than 25 million people in urgent need of aid.
The UN emphasizes that without immediate intervention, the crisis could worsen, leaving millions more at risk of starvation and displacement.