Starvation crisis worsens in Sudan amid ongoing conflict

U.N. warns of a deepening starvation crisis in Sudan as conflict disrupts aid, with millions facing acute hunger

Reports of starvation deaths in Sudan are escalating as conflict continues between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) has raised alarms about the worsening situation.

Eddie Rowe, WFP’s Director for Sudan, stated, “Life-saving assistance is not reaching those who need it the most, and we are already receiving reports of people dying of starvation.”

General Abdel Fattah Burhan and RSF’s General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo led the conflict for 10 months.

It began in Khartoum and has since spread, destroying northeastern Sudan.

Currently, about 18 million people face acute hunger, particularly in conflict-ridden areas like Khartoum, Darfur, Kordofan and Gezira.

These regions struggle with roadblocks, security threats and taxation demands that hamper aid distribution.

The United Nations reports that the conflict has killed at least 12,000 people and displaced over 10.7 million.

However, local medical groups suggest the death toll might be much higher.

Leni Kinzli, a spokesperson for the U.N. in Sudan, expressed concern about the impending lean season starting in May, which could further reduce food availability.

“Millions could soon slip into catastrophic levels of hunger, potentially leading to famine,” Kinzli warned.

The RSF, under Dagalo’s command, appears to have gained ground in recent months, advancing across central Sudan.

Both the Sudanese military and the RSF face accusations of war crimes. Efforts to mediate the conflict by regional African partners, Saudi Arabia and the United States have been unsuccessful. Burhan and Dagalo have not met since the conflict began, complicating peace efforts.

Source: Newsroom