Famine and Conflict on the Rise in Sudan: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

The ongoing civil conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, characterized by famine affecting millions. The fighting between the army and RSF has resulted in widespread food insecurity, with aid organizations withdrawing due to escalating violence. Reports indicate alarming malnutrition rates among children, skyrocketing food prices, and systemic corruption diverting humanitarian assistance, exacerbating the already dire conditions.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region, has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis characterized by widespread famine. The violence has compelled numerous aid organizations to withdraw their support due to the perilous conditions posed by combat operations and substantial barriers to providing humanitarian assistance.

Taysir Sabri, a mother of four from Omdurman, revealed that her youngest child, at just three years old, has resorted to eating dirt due to severe iron deficiency. Following a loss of employment due to the fighting that erupted on April 15, 2023, her husband can only secure infrequent work. Consequently, the family eats just once a day, relying on his sparse income.

The conflict between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to 24.6 million people, nearly half of Sudan’s population, experiencing acute food insecurity. According to the United Nations, there is substantial evidence indicating famine conditions in multiple regions, including several camps in North Darfur and parts of the Nuba Mountains where families are resorting to consuming livestock feed ingredients.

Zamzam camp, a critical focal point of this crisis, is home to approximately one million displaced individuals, with new arrivals each day fleeing violence and devastation in their villages. Famine was officially declared in this camp as early as August 2024, amidst reports that food supplies arrive sporadically in limited amounts, inflating prices. An aid worker noted that vital water sources have also been disrupted by attacks.

In the capital, Khartoum, fighting has escalated, with various parts of the city under the control of opposing forces. Duaa Tariq, affiliated with a community kitchen, reported alarming levels of severe malnutrition among children due to a military siege hindering access to food stores.

Prices for essential commodities, such as flour and sugar, surged fourfold within a fortnight. Compounding the crisis, funding slashed from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has significantly hampered emergency response operations, traditionally reliant on U.S. support.

Corruption further complicates the aid landscape, with reports indicating that half of the humanitarian assistance is diverted by government officials to benefit military or regime-affiliated entities. The safety of volunteers is also at risk, with numerous reported attacks on aid workers, reflecting a hazardous environment for those attempting to assist.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, statistics indicate over 20,000 fatalities and 14 million displaced individuals, though some estimates suggest a death toll as high as 130,000. This conflict continues to engender profound humanitarian repercussions throughout Sudan.

In conclusion, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, deeply exacerbated by ongoing conflict and widespread famine, reveals the urgent need for international intervention and support. With skyrocketing food prices, rampant corruption, and increased violence obstructing aid efforts, millions remain in dire peril. The plight of families like Taysir Sabri’s serves as a distressing reminder of the urgent humanitarian needs in the region.

Original Source: international.la-croix.com