The conflict in Sudan, now nearing its one-year mark, has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 25 million people facing acute food insecurity. Stemming from clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, the crisis has plunged the nation into chaos. Shockingly, close to 25 million individuals, or more than half of the population, require urgent assistance, with approximately 17.7 million facing acute food insecurity. The situation, described as being of “epic proportions” by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), is exacerbated by limited access to vulnerable communities due to ongoing fighting, particularly in Darfur. The impact on South Sudan, which has received over 635,000 refugees, has been severe, with the influx of displaced persons straining resources and basic services. Every day, families are forced to make agonising decisions to feed their loved ones, painting a grim picture of widespread suffering and desperation in the region.

The escalating violence, particularly in Darfur, has raised alarming concerns about the imminent risk of starvation and death. Michael Dunford from the World Food Programme highlighted the dire situation, emphasising that people are resorting to consuming grass and peanut shells, underscoring the urgent need for assistance to prevent widespread starvation. A senior U.S. official warned that more than 2 million people in El Fasher, in Sudan’s North Darfur region, are under imminent threat of a “large-scale massacre” from a paramilitary group and urged the international community to pressure the warring parties to de-escalate. The RSF, the Arab-dominated Rapid Support Forces, is planning an imminent attack on El Fasher, raising alarm bells about the potential for further violence and civilian casualties.

The actions taken by UN agencies to warn about the imminent risk of starvation in Sudan’s Darfur region are commendable, shedding light on the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country. The joint warning issued by these agencies emphasises the urgent need for assistance to prevent widespread starvation and death, particularly in conflict-affected areas like Darfur. Michael Dunford’s statement underscores the desperation faced by civilians, highlighting the urgent need for aid to reach vulnerable communities. However, the obstacles posed by ongoing fighting are alarming and impede the delivery of lifesaving assistance to those in need. The international community must rally together to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those affected by the conflict, mitigating the risk of a catastrophic hunger crisis and addressing the urgent needs of millions facing acute food insecurity.

The crisis in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to a devastating humanitarian and protection crisis. The conflict has displaced over 8.5 million people, exacerbating existing challenges in the country. Sudan’s economy has been severely impacted, with food production crashing, imports stalled, and staple food prices soaring. The removal of Sudan’s authoritarian leader in 2019 initially sparked hope for a democratic transition, but a military coup in 2021 plunged the country into turmoil, reigniting conflicts and exacerbating instability. The ongoing violence and displacement have left millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, with the situation expected to worsen as the conflict persists. More than 8 million people have been forced from their homes in search of safety since the war began last April. Nearly 2 million have fled Sudan to neighbouring countries. Of those who remain, 18 million are facing acute hunger, with 5 million a step away from famine.

The unfolding crisis in Sudan exemplifies the harrowing reality of widespread suffering, displacement, and acute food insecurity. To navigate this humanitarian emergency, urgent diplomatic interventions, financial support for humanitarian aid, and a dedicated commitment to peace-building is imperative. Addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and ensuring robust assistance to those impacted are crucial steps to prevent a deepening crisis with profound consequences. Immediate action is needed to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe and pave the way towards enduring peace and stability in Sudan and the broader region.