The leading global authority on food crises has identified famine in two regions of conflict-ridden Sudan, specifically in El Fasher and Kadugli. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released a report on Monday stating that both areas in the Darfur region and South Kordofan province have experienced severe devastation, including a collapse of livelihoods, starvation, high malnutrition rates, and fatalities.
Additionally, the IPC highlighted that 20 other regions in Darfur and South Kordofan are also facing the risk of famine due to escalated conflicts in recent months. El Fasher has been under siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for a prolonged period, resulting in a severe shortage of essential supplies for the local population. Following the seizure of the city by RSF forces, reports have emerged of widespread atrocities, including beatings, killings, and sexual assaults on civilians.
Similarly, Kadugli has faced a similar situation under RSF siege, with thousands of individuals trapped and ongoing attempts by the group to expand control over territory. The World Food Program previously confirmed famine in 10 areas based on IPC data in April. Since the conflict erupted in April 2023 between the military and RSF, over 40,000 people have lost their lives, with millions displaced and facing acute food insecurity and disease outbreaks.
Efforts are being made by the United States to facilitate a potential humanitarian truce in Sudan. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court is working to preserve evidence from recent violent incidents in Darfur, where hundreds have been killed. The IPC’s latest report indicated that around 375,000 individuals in Darfur and South Kordofan are in a state of famine as of September, with an additional 6.3 million facing emergency food insecurity nationwide.
Save the Children reported that food supplies have depleted in Kadugli due to escalating violence, leading to mass displacement. The IPC’s classification of famine is based on specific criteria, including severe food scarcity, acute malnutrition rates among children, and related deaths, and has been rarely confirmed in the past. The IPC has emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and mitigate the critical food insecurity in the affected regions.