Sudan Faces World’s Worst Hunger Crisis, Famine Looms in 14 Areas
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global monitoring group, reported a realistic chance of famine in 14 areas across the war-torn country, Reuters reported today.
This development marks the world’s largest hunger crisis, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).
The areas most at risk, according to the IPC, are those that have witnessed the heaviest fighting: the capital Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan regions, and El Gezira state. The report highlights a “stark and rapid deterioration” in food security compared to December 2023, with the worst hunger levels ever observed in Sudan.
The number of people facing hunger has surged by 45% to a staggering 25.6 million, constituting more than half the population. This crisis is expected to worsen during the lean season until September, when harvested food supplies dwindle.
“This disaster is man-made and preventable,” stated Mohammed Qazilbash, Sudan Country Director for Plan International. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, with over 8 million people on the brink of famine.
The ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has fueled the crisis. Erupting over a year ago, the war has displaced millions, triggered ethnic violence in Darfur, and divided control of the country.
The WFP previously reported this hunger crisis as the world’s worst, with people resorting to consuming leaves and soil for sustenance.
The IPC warns that famine could occur in Sudan if the fighting escalates and local militias become involved. Recent heavy clashes and the RSF’s takeover of another state capital raise concerns about a worsening situation.
