Sudan is confronting a widening famine crisis, with widespread starvation, surging acute malnutrition and mass displacement exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, a UN-backed food security assessment released on Tuesday has found.
More than 24.6 million people – half of Sudan’s population – are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, according to the IPC initiative, which tracks extreme hunger globally.
IPC’s Famine Review Committee (FRC) confirmed that famine (IPC phase 5) is present in at least five areas, including North Darfur’s Zamzam camp and parts of the Western Nuba Mountains.
The crisis is projected to expand further, with five additional areas – North Darfur localities of Um Kadadah, Melit, El Fasher, At Tawisha, and Al Lait – expected to face famine between December 2024 and May 2025.
Additionally, 17 other areas are at risk of famine, particularly those with significant influxes of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Regions affected include parts of North and South Darfur, Khartoum, and Al Jazirah states.
