The primary global authority on food crises has identified famine in two regions of conflict-ridden Sudan, notably in El Fasher, where paramilitary factions are reportedly engaging in large-scale killings. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report released on Monday, famine is present in El Fasher and Kadugli, located in the Darfur area and South Kordofan province, respectively. The IPC notes that both regions have experienced a complete breakdown of livelihoods, severe malnutrition, starvation, and fatalities.
Twenty additional locations in Darfur and South Kordofan, where conflict has escalated in recent times, are also facing the risk of famine. El Fasher had been besieged by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for 18 months, obstructing essential supplies to thousands of inhabitants. Following the city’s capture last week, reports and footage have emerged detailing RSF atrocities against civilians, such as beatings, killings, and sexual assaults, as reported by witnesses and aid workers. The World Health Organization confirmed at least 460 deaths at a hospital due to the violence.
Kadugli has similarly been under RSF siege for months, with a significant population trapped inside as the group aims to expand its control over the region. The World Food Program had earlier confirmed famine in 10 areas based on IPC data. Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in conflict between the military and RSF, resulting in over 40,000 fatalities according to UN estimates. However, humanitarian organizations believe the actual toll could be significantly higher. The conflict has displaced more than 14 million people, triggered disease outbreaks, and led to famine in parts of the country.
A U.S. envoy recently announced efforts to broker a humanitarian truce in Sudan, while International Criminal Court prosecutors are working to preserve evidence from the recent violent incidents in Darfur. As of September, approximately 375,000 individuals in Darfur and South Kordofan have been plunged into famine, with an additional 6.3 million facing critical food insecurity nationwide. Save the Children reported food shortages in Kadugli, where conflict escalated, forcing many to flee within the city due to blockades hindering escape routes.
The IPC’s famine classification, or Phase 5 on the food insecurity scale, is indicated in regions where severe food scarcity affects at least one-fifth of the population, acute malnutrition affects over 30% of children under five, and malnutrition-related deaths reach specific thresholds. The IPC has rarely declared famine, with recent instances in northern Gaza, Somalia, South Sudan, and parts of Sudan’s Darfur region. Despite similar conditions reported in Dilling, South Kordofan, data limitations prevented the formal declaration of famine there.
The ICRC President highlighted the dire situation in El Fasher, emphasizing the urgent need for food, water, and medical aid for the trapped civilians. The report highlighted other towns near El Fasher at risk of famine, underscoring the need for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and alleviate acute food insecurity and malnutrition levels.