- Currently, over 25.6 million people—more than half of Sudan’s population—are at risk of acute hunger.
- A coalition of the US, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, the African Union, and the UN, has pledged to deliver crucial relief supplies to famine-stricken areas in Darfur.
- Sudan’s conflict has triggered a displacement crisis, with over 10.7 million people forced to flee their homes since the fighting began.
As conflict continues to ravage Darfur, the scale of famine in Sudan continues to unfold, drawing urgent global intervention. Last week, a coalition of countries and the United Nations (UN) announced the deployment of vital food aid to address the famine in Sudan’s conflict zones.
Sudan, a northeast African country with a long history of conflict, faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The country’s grinding civil war has plunged millions into acute hunger, with famine declared in parts of Darfur.
The crisis is compounded by heavy fighting between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, which has displaced millions and left many in dire need of food and medical assistance.
The dire situation in Darfur’s Zamzam Camp, where starvation has reached famine levels, highlights the severity of the crisis. Last month, global experts confirmed that famine conditions had taken hold, impacting tens of thousands of displaced people living in dire conditions. The Famine Review Committee warns that over 25.6 million people—more than half of Sudan’s population—are at risk of acute hunger.
International efforts to address famine in Sudan
In response to the worsening humanitarian crisis, a group of countries and the United Nations have come together to provide essential food aid. The coalition, including the US, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, the African Union, and the UN, has pledged to deliver crucial relief supplies to famine-stricken areas in Darfur.
The joint statement released on Friday last week outlined the commitment to ensuring that aid reaches those in need, underscoring the importance of keeping delivery routes open and safe.
The statement followed more than a week of negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, aimed at de-escalating the conflict and securing humanitarian access. Despite these efforts, the talks fell short of bringing the warring parties to a consensus. The Sudanese military did not participate in the talks, while the RSF’s involvement was limited, complicating the process of reaching a ceasefire agreement.
Obstacles to aid delivery
The path to delivering aid in Sudan is fraught with challenges. The conflict has created a volatile environment, making it difficult for humanitarian workers to access affected areas. However, the international community has secured promises from both sides of the conflict to allow safe passage for aid deliveries through key routes. Reports indicate these routes face obstacles, including recent heavy flooding that has further complicated logistics.
The situation on the ground remains precarious, with ongoing fighting and obstructed access making it difficult for aid organizations to provide timely assistance. The last successful delivery of humanitarian relief to Darfur’s camps occurred in April, underscoring the prolonged gap in aid that has exacerbated the crisis.
The human cost of conflict
The impact of the conflict extends beyond famine, with severe consequences for civilian populations. Fighting has led to a staggering loss of life, with thousands killed and many more affected by atrocities such as mass rape and ethnically motivated violence. These actions are reported to constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the United Nations and international human rights groups.
The conflict has also triggered a displacement crisis, with over 10.7 million people forced to flee their homes since the fighting began. This displacement has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with millions living in precarious conditions and relying heavily on international aid for survival.
Over two million of these displaced individuals have sought refuge in neighboring countries, further straining regional resources and creating additional challenges for aid coordination.
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Cholera and health concerns
The crisis in Sudan has been compounded by a new outbreak of cholera, adding to the already dire situation. Since the first suspected cases were reported a month ago, more than 650 cases and 28 deaths have been recorded in five states.
The spread of cholera is fueled by floods and poor sanitation in displacement camps and affected communities, exacerbating the health crisis. In response to the cholera outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an initial vaccination campaign in Kassala, reaching over 50,000 people.
An additional 450,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine are being prepared for distribution to curb the spread of the waterborne disease. Addressing the cholera outbreak will be critical in preventing further suffering and mortality among displaced and vulnerable populations.
The international response to Sudan’s famine and humanitarian crisis represents a crucial step in addressing the immediate needs of affected populations. However, several challenges remain in effectively managing and mitigating the crisis. Ensuring that aid reaches all those in need, navigating the complexities of the ongoing conflict, and addressing the health crises exacerbated by the war are critical tasks for the international community.
As the conflict in Sudan continues, it is imperative for the global community to remain engaged and responsive, addressing both the immediate needs and the underlying causes of the crisis.
