Famine in Sudan’s Darfur is spreading to additional areas, United Nations-backed experts warned, as nearly three years of conflict continue to devastate food systems and humanitarian access. The warning highlights worsening acute malnutrition in parts of North Darfur, driven by ongoing fighting, mass displacement and limited aid delivery.
Since April 2023, war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced almost 11 million, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, according to the United Nations.
The latest alert underscores growing concern that famine conditions are no longer isolated but expanding across western Sudan.
IPC Alert Warns of Rising Famine Risk
In an alert issued on Thursday, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said famine thresholds for acute malnutrition have now been surpassed in the contested North Darfur areas of Um Baru and Kernoi, both located near the border with Chad.
“These alarming rates suggest an increased risk of excess mortality and raise concern that nearby areas may be experiencing similar catastrophic conditions,” IPC experts said.
The alert is not a formal famine declaration but signals extreme food insecurity and nutrition crises based on the most recent data available up to February.
Severe Child Malnutrition in Um Baru and Kernoi
According to the IPC findings:
• In Um Baru, 53 percent of children under five are acutely malnourished, nearly double the famine threshold.
• In Kernoi, close to one third of children suffer from acute malnutrition.
Access to treatment remains extremely limited. In Um Baru, children with severe acute malnutrition have little access to care, while in Kernoi only about 25 percent of affected children are enrolled in treatment programmes.
El-Fasher Fall Deepens Crisis
The spread of famine follows the takeover of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, by the Rapid Support Forces last October. The city had been the Sudanese army’s final stronghold in western Darfur and endured around 18 months of bombardment and starvation before falling.
Its capture was accompanied by reports of mass killings, rape and abductions. United Nations data show that at least 127,000 people fled El-Fasher to nearby towns, placing further strain on already fragile communities.
IPC experts said the movement of large numbers of displaced people into surrounding areas has driven up acute food insecurity and malnutrition.
Wider Risk Across Darfur and Kordofan
The IPC previously confirmed famine conditions in El-Fasher and in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, nearly three months ago. Kadugli had endured a prolonged RSF siege until the Sudanese army lifted the blockade earlier this week.
Nearby Dilling is believed to be experiencing similar famine conditions, although ongoing insecurity and lack of access have prevented a formal assessment.
The IPC warned that at least 20 additional areas across Darfur and neighbouring Kordofan are at risk of famine. Fighting in Kordofan, now a key battleground, has displaced around 88,000 people since October, according to the latest UN figures.
National Food Insecurity at Alarming Levels
Across Sudan, more than 21 million people, almost half of the population, are facing acute food insecurity. The United Nations says nearly two thirds of Sudanese now require urgent humanitarian assistance.
IPC experts warned that prolonged displacement, continued conflict and the collapse of health, water and food systems are expected to further increase malnutrition and hunger in the coming months.
Conclusion:
The IPC alert highlights the growing spread of famine in Sudan’s Darfur as conflict and displacement continue to block aid and destroy livelihoods. Without sustained humanitarian access and an end to fighting, experts warn that catastrophic food insecurity is likely to worsen across large parts of the country.
