Sudan is facing a deepening humanitarian catastrophe as nearly 20 million people struggle with acute hunger due to the country’s ongoing civil war, according to a new report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.
The report revealed that more than 40 percent of Sudan’s population is experiencing severe food insecurity, with millions pushed closer to famine after three years of brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
The war, which has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions, has devastated the country’s economy, healthcare system, and food supply chains, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
According to the IPC assessment, at least 14 areas across North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan remain at high risk of famine. Around 135,000 people in these regions are currently facing catastrophic hunger conditions.
The cities of El Fasher and Kadugli were among the areas hardest hit after prolonged sieges linked to fighting by RSF forces.
Humanitarian workers say desperate families are being forced into extreme survival measures as food shortages continue to worsen.
Grace Oongee from the Norwegian Refugee Council said some families have resorted to eating leaves, animal feed, and animal skins taken from abandoned slaughterhouses in order to survive.
Speaking from Port Sudan, Oongee warned that lack of access to food and healthcare could lead to even greater loss of life in the months ahead.
Aid agencies also fear the true scale of the crisis may be significantly underreported because humanitarian organizations still face major restrictions accessing several conflict-affected areas.
