Famine worsens in Sudan amid civil war and aid obstruction

Famine in Sudan has expanded to five areas, with millions facing severe hunger as the ongoing civil war disrupts aid delivery, displaces millions, and worsens one of the world’s most critical humanitarian crises.

Famine in Sudan has expanded to five areas, with predictions it will spread to five more by May, according to a global hunger monitor. The crisis, impacting nearly half of Sudan’s population, continues to worsen due to civil war and disruptions to humanitarian aid.

Confirmed famine conditions affect camps for displaced people in North Darfur, including Zamzam, and areas in South Kordofan state. The Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC) warns that 24.6 million people will require urgent food assistance by February.

The civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has decimated food production, displaced over 12 million people, and led to widespread looting of supplies. Both factions have been accused of blocking aid delivery, with the SAF accused of slowing visa approvals for aid workers and restricting access to Darfur.

Jean-Martin Bauer of the U.N.’s World Food Programme highlighted the challenges: “We have the food, the trucks, and the people. We just need safe passage to deliver assistance.”

The IPC’s work has faced government interference, with authorities halting famine determinations and expelling top aid officials. Meanwhile, malnutrition and hunger continue to rise, leaving millions on the brink of starvation.