Famine is spreading across Sudan, fueled by an ongoing war between the country’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, according to international hunger experts.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has created the world’s largest displacement crisis, with devastating impacts on food security.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported famine conditions in five areas, including Zamzam, Sudan’s largest displacement camp in North Darfur.
Famine was first declared in Zamzam in August, and the camp now hosts over 400,000 people. Other affected areas include the Abu Shouk and al-Salam camps, as well as the Western Nuba Mountains.
Sudan has endured a 20-month conflict that has killed more than 24,000 people and displaced over 14 million—30% of the population. Among them, 3.2 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.
Food scarcity and skyrocketing prices have plunged the nation into deeper hunger. Aid organizations face significant challenges in reaching those in need, as warring factions limit access, particularly in North Darfur.
Dervla Cleary, a senior emergency officer with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, said 638,000 people are currently experiencing famine, with millions more at risk in the coming months.
The IPC report projects that areas such as El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, will face famine within six months.
Seventeen regions, including parts of the Nuba Mountains and Darfur, are at high risk, while famine-like conditions may already be affecting Khartoum and Gezira.
In total, 24.6 million Sudanese—half the population—are experiencing acute food insecurity, making Sudan one of the worst hunger crises globally.
Sudan is the third country in the past 15 years where famine has been declared, following South Sudan and Somalia. A 2011 famine in Somalia claimed 250,000 lives, half of them children under five.
The IPC defines famine as conditions where at least 20% of households face extreme food shortages, acute malnutrition levels exceed 30%, and death rates rise significantly.
The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, exacerbated by ongoing violence and a lack of international aid access.
Experts warn that without immediate intervention, the humanitarian catastrophe could worsen further.
