Darfur Sudan: Famine conditions are spreading to more parts of Sudan as fighting continues to block food supplies and humanitarian aid, leaving millions facing extreme hunger.
New assessments by UN backed food security monitors show that severe malnutrition has reached famine level thresholds in at least two more towns in North Darfur, Um Baru and Kernoi. Children are among the worst affected, with health workers warning that many are arriving at clinics dangerously undernourished.
The worsening hunger crisis is closely linked to the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. Fighting has destroyed farms, shut down markets and cut off key supply routes. In many areas, aid agencies are unable to reach civilians because of insecurity and road blockages.
In South Kordofan, an attack blamed on the Rapid Support Forces killed at least 22 people, including health workers. The violence has further weakened already fragile health and food systems in the region.
The Sudanese military has recently said it broke a long siege on the city of Kadugli, which had been isolated for months and was at high risk of famine. While this may allow some aid to enter, humanitarian groups say the situation remains critical and access is still very limited.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Millions of people have been displaced inside Sudan and across its borders. Earlier, famine was formally confirmed in several areas after prolonged fighting cut communities off from food and income.
Aid agencies warn that hunger is likely spreading beyond areas that can be fully monitored. With funding shortages, continued violence and the rainy season approaching, they say urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life.
Despite some reports of military advances, the reality for many Sudanese families remains the same: empty markets, little access to aid and a daily struggle to find enough food to survive.