New Food Security Report Reveals Over 25 Million People Face Starvation in Sudan as Conflict Rages

June 27, 2024

Today's IPC acute food security report for Sudan reveals a rapid and harrowing deterioration of the hunger crisis across most parts of the country. 

In just six months, the number of people facing the most catastrophic level of hunger (IPC Phase 5) is projected to jump from zero to 755,000 between June and September 2024 across 10 states, including Greater Darfur (all five states), South and North Kordofan, Blue Nile, Al Jazirah, and Khartoum. Over half of Sudan's population—more than 25 million people—are acutely food insecure. Another 8.5 million people (18 percent of the population) face extreme food shortages and acute malnutrition (IPC 4 - Emergency). 

Fields and farms have become war zones and the health system is in shambles, leaving millions in desperate need. Famine now threatens to ravage 14 areas in one of Africa's largest countries

Responding to the report, Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Corps, says: 

“The latest IPC analysis exposes the stark reality of starvation in Sudan after 14 months of relentless conflict. Tragically, this confirms what humanitarian actors and civilians on the ground already know: famine is at the door. History has shown that by the time a famine is officially declared, people are already dying at a horrifying pace. 

“For months now, parts of Sudan, notably greater Darfur, have been cut off from aid and deprived of food, clean water, and healthcare. The conflict's expansion into breadbasket regions has devastated food production, causing severe malnutrition among children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, the chronically ill, and the elderly. 

“Sudan has become one of the world's largest and most ignored man-made tragedies. More than 10 million people have been forced from their homes — more than any other conflict today — as hunger levels soar dramatically. Aid organizations have sounded the alarm, but despite repeated warnings, the global response remains shamefully inadequate, with the Humanitarian Response Plan only 17% funded according to OCHA's financial tracking system.

“This crisis demands urgent diplomatic efforts to ensure the rapid and safe delivery of humanitarian aid and protection of civilians, in line with international humanitarian law. The international donor community must provide urgent aid to prevent further deaths and support farmers and traders in boosting local food production and availability. A sustainable solution to the conflict through a lasting ceasefire must urgently be realized to silence the guns and allow communities to rebuild.  

 “World leaders continue to go through the motions, expressing concern over Sudan's crisis, yet they've failed to rise to the occasion. Each day of diplomatic inaction results in an irreparable loss of human lives. If we don't act now, the twin threats of violence and hunger will snowball, causing mass deaths and devastating communities for years to come." 

 

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