A global food crisis authority has identified famine in two regions of conflict-ridden Sudan, notably in El Fasher, where paramilitary groups have been reportedly carrying out mass killings. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released a report on Monday, stating that famine is currently present in El Fasher and Kadugli, situated in the Darfur region and South Kordofan province, respectively. The IPC highlighted the complete collapse of livelihoods, severe malnutrition, and fatalities in these areas.
Additionally, the report warned that twenty other areas in Darfur and South Kordofan, where clashes have escalated in recent months, are also facing the risk of famine. El Fasher had been besieged by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for 18 months, leading to severe deprivation of essential supplies for tens of thousands of residents. Following the city’s capture last week, reports surfaced of RSF committing atrocities against civilians, including beatings, killings, and sexual assaults as per eyewitness accounts and aid workers’ testimonies.
Kadugli has similarly endured an RSF siege for months, trapping a large population inside as the group aims to expand its control over the region. The World Food Program previously confirmed famine in ten areas based on IPC data. The ongoing power struggle between the military and RSF since April 2023 has resulted in over 40,000 deaths, with aid organizations suggesting the actual toll could be significantly higher. The conflict has displaced more than 14 million people, triggered disease outbreaks, and plunged parts of the country into famine.
Efforts are underway to negotiate a humanitarian truce in Sudan, with the U.S. engaging with both warring factions. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court is seeking to preserve evidence from the recent violence in Darfur. The IPC report disclosed that approximately 375,000 individuals are currently facing famine in Darfur and South Kordofan, with an additional 6.3 million across the country experiencing critical food insecurity.
Save the Children reported a depletion of food supplies in Kadugli, attributing the situation to escalated fighting prompting mass displacement. The IPC emphasized that Dilling, another town in South Kordofan, is facing similar dire conditions to Kadugli but lacks sufficient data for a famine declaration. The IPC reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and curb acute food insecurity and malnutrition levels.
