Famine looms over additional regions in the conflict-ridden western Darfur area of Sudan, as per a global hunger monitoring organization’s recent statement. Simultaneously, a violent attack by paramilitary forces on a military medical facility in the nation’s southern region resulted in the tragic deaths of 22 individuals, including the hospital’s director and three medical staff members.
Sudan has been embroiled in a war since April 2023, sparked by a power struggle between the military and the influential paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has led to what the United Nations has described as the most severe humanitarian crisis globally.
The latest report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reveals that acute malnutrition has escalated to famine levels in two more towns in Darfur. However, the confirmation of a full-fledged famine in these areas is yet to be determined.
The Sudan Doctors’ Network reported that the assault in Kouik town in South Kordofan province resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and left eight others injured. The network highlighted that this attack is part of a series of assaults that have impacted South Kordofan, rendering several hospitals non-operational.
The UN has estimated that more than 40,000 individuals have lost their lives in the Sudan war, with aid agencies believing the actual figure could be significantly higher. Additionally, over 14 million people have been displaced from their homes.
The IPC report disclosed that Umm Baru and Kernoi towns in North Darfur province have registered famine-level malnutrition rates. The report noted that nearly 53% of children between six months and almost five years old in Umm Baru are suffering from acute malnutrition, surpassing the famine threshold. In Kernoi, 32% of children are facing malnutrition challenges.
The report emphasized the heightened risk of excess mortality due to the alarming malnutrition rates and expressed concerns that neighboring areas might also be experiencing similar catastrophic conditions.
The IPC has confirmed famine in a total of seven areas since the onset of Sudan’s civil war. However, confirming a full famine in Umm Baru and Kernoi remains challenging due to limited access and data availability required to verify the other two famine thresholds – access to food and mortality rates.
Furthermore, the IPC warned that more individuals in Kordofan could face severe hunger as the conflict disrupts food production and supply lines in besieged and isolated regions.
A ceasefire is urgently needed to prevent further suffering, starvation, and loss of life in Sudan, according to the Rome-based group. Famine is determined based on specific criteria, including malnutrition-related deaths, food scarcity, and acute malnutrition rates among children under five years old.
The ongoing conflict following the RSF’s capture of El Fasher has shifted to various areas of Kordofan. Recent military advances in Kadugli and Dilling have been reported, with the Sudanese military successfully breaking the siege in these towns.
Efforts to garner international support for humanitarian aid in Sudan are underway, with the United States and the UN launching a new Sudan Humanitarian Fund backed by $700 million in contributions from the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. Additionally, the Trump administration pledged $200 million from a $2 billion humanitarian funding initiative, with the UAE committing $500 million. Other nations have also promised contributions to support aid operations in Sudan.