IPC: Sudan faces escalating famine crisis amid ongoing conflict

As the conflict in Sudan reaches its twentieth month, the country is experiencing an escalating famine crisis, with widespread starvation and a significant rise in acute malnutrition.

According to the latest report from the IPC Famine Review Committee (FRC), famine conditions have been detected in at least five areas, with projections indicating that another five regions will face similar conditions between December 2024 and May 2025, Caliber.Az reports.

Additionally, the FRC warns that 17 other areas are at risk of falling into famine. Currently, half of Sudan’s population—24.6 million people—are grappling with high levels of acute food insecurity, marking a deepening of the food and nutrition crisis.

The crisis is a direct result of the ongoing conflict, which has triggered mass displacement, a collapsing economy, the breakdown of essential services, and severe disruptions to society, compounded by poor access to humanitarian aid.

"Sudan’s food insecurity has reached unprecedented levels, and this crisis is only set to worsen," said a spokesperson from the IPC. "The effects of the conflict are far-reaching, causing widespread displacement and hindering access to vital resources."

The famine conditions identified in August 2024 in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp have now expanded to other areas, including Al Salam and Abu Shouk camps, and the Western Nuba Mountains. The FRC projects that famine will spread further across North Darfur between December and May, affecting areas such as Um Kadadah, Melit, El Fasher, At Tawisha, and Al Lait.

Regions in the Central Nuba Mountains and South Darfur are also at risk, with Tawila, Nyala Janoub, and other localities in the area expected to face high numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

"The situation in Darfur is dire, and the risk of famine is imminent for many regions," said the FRC. "We must act urgently to address the humanitarian needs and prevent further suffering."

While the FRC’s latest analysis indicates a worsening of food insecurity, there is some slight relief due to above-average rainfall that supported agriculture, where security conditions allowed. However, the conflict continues to devastate farming activities, with many crops abandoned, looted, or destroyed. Displaced families in settlements and public buildings have seen little benefit from the harvest season.

The latest update highlights that 24.6 million people will experience high levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) from December to May, a significant increase from earlier projections. This figure includes approximately 15.9 million people classified in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis), 8.1 million in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), and at least 638,000 in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe).

"Despite some improvements in agriculture, the overall outlook remains bleak, with over half the population facing extreme food insecurity," said an expert from the FRC.

With the conflict showing no signs of abating, Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is expected to worsen unless immediate international support is provided to address both the food security and displacement challenges.

By Aghakazim Guliyev