Escalating Conflict in Sudan Triggers Widespread Famine in Darfur and Kordofan Regions

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November 3, 2025

Famine Declared in Sudan Cities as war Deepens Humanitarian catastrophe

Displaced Sudanese women and children seek refuge in Tawilia, Darfur, Sudan on November 3. The ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis. Photo: marwan Mohammed/NRC/AP.

Cairo – A devastating Famine has been officially declared in two Sudanese cities – El Fasher in Darfur and Kadugli in South Kordofan – as relentless fighting pushes the nation toward a full-scale humanitarian disaster. The declaration, issued Monday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a leading global authority on hunger, underscores the severity of the crisis impacting millions of Sudanese citizens.

Widespread Food Insecurity Grips Sudan

The IPC report detailed that along with the confirmed famine conditions in El Fasher and Kadugli, twenty other areas across Darfur and Kordofan are currently at high risk of sliding into famine. These areas have been at the epicenter of intensified battles in recent months, disrupting food supplies and aid access. According to the latest data, approximately 375,000 people are already experiencing famine conditions, while an alarming 6.3 million Sudanese are facing extreme levels of food insecurity.

El fasher Under Siege and Kadugli Isolated

El Fasher,a key city in the Darfur region,endured an 18-month siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This blockade severely restricted access to vital food and supplies for tens of thousands of residents. last week’s seizure of El Fasher by RSF fighters reportedly triggered widespread violence, tho the full extent of the bloodshed remains unclear due to communication disruptions. Kadugli, similarly besieged by the RSF, has seen tens of thousands of civilians trapped with dwindling resources, as the paramilitary group attempts to expand its control over the region.

Defining Famine: A Critical Threshold

Famine is formally declared when multiple criteria are met, indicating a catastrophic breakdown in food security. These include deaths from malnutrition reaching at least two per 10,000 people daily, or four children under five, widespread acute food shortages affecting at least one in five households, and a severe malnutrition rate exceeding 30% among children under five-measured by weight-to-height or upper-arm circumference. The current situation in Sudan tragically surpasses these thresholds in the designated famine zones.

Regional Impact and Escalating Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, raging since april 2023, has already claimed over 40,000 lives, according to United Nations figures, though aid organizations suggest the actual death toll is significantly higher. More than 14 million Sudanese have been displaced from their homes, creating a massive internal displacement crisis and overwhelming neighboring countries with refugees. Recent reports indicate that the RSF is now focusing its military efforts on securing control over Darfur and Kordofan, potentially exacerbating the humanitarian situation further.

Did You Know? Sudan’s conflict is not only a humanitarian crisis but also risks destabilizing the entire Horn of Africa region, prompting international concerns about regional security.

Global Response and Urgent Needs

International organizations are scrambling to provide aid, but access to affected areas remain severely inhibited by ongoing violence and logistical challenges. the IPC is urgently calling for an immediate ceasefire as the only viable path to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the escalating food insecurity crisis within the nation.

Understanding Food Insecurity and Famine

Famine is not simply a lack of food; it’s a complex crisis rooted in conflict, poverty, climate change, and political instability. The IPC’s classification system provides a standardized and internationally recognized framework for assessing food security levels, enabling targeted interventions to prevent and mitigate crises. According to the World Food Program, conflict remains the primary driver of acute hunger globally. Climate-related shocks,such as droughts and floods,are increasingly contributing to food insecurity,notably in vulnerable regions like the Horn of Africa. Understanding these root causes is vital for developing sustainable solutions.

IPC Phase	Description
Phase 1	No acute food insecurity
Phase 2	Stressed
Phase 3	Acute food insecurity – crisis
Phase 4	Acute food insecurity – emergency
Phase 5	Famine

Pro Tip: Stay informed about humanitarian crises and support organizations working on the ground. Even small donations can make a notable difference in the lives of those affected.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sudan Crisis:

What is the primary cause of the famine in Sudan?

the primary driver is the ongoing armed conflict between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces, which has disrupted food production, supply lines, and humanitarian access.

What is the IPC and why is its assessment significant?

The integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is a global standard for assessing food security. Its declarations are crucial for mobilizing resources and coordinating humanitarian responses.

How can I help address the humanitarian crisis in sudan?

You can donate to reputable humanitarian organizations working in Sudan, advocate for increased international aid, and raise awareness about the crisis.

What is the impact of the conflict on civilians?

The conflict has caused mass displacement, widespread violence, and a complete breakdown of essential services, leaving millions in dire need of assistance.

What are the long-term consequences of famine?

Famine can have devastating long-term effects on public health,economic development,and social stability. It can also lead to increased malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and loss of livelihoods.

What do you believe is the most pressing need for the people of Sudan right now: increased aid, a ceasefire, or political negotiations?

How do you think the international community could more effectively respond to humanitarian crises like the one unfolding in Sudan?

What specific obstacles are preventing humanitarian organizations from effectively delivering aid too those affected by the famine in Sudan?

The humanitarian crisis Unfolding in Sudan

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly concentrated in the Darfur and Kordofan regions, has rapidly deteriorated into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Widespread famine is now a stark reality, threatening the lives of millions. This isn’t a sudden event; it’s the culmination of escalating violence, disrupted agricultural seasons, and a deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid. The situation demands immediate international attention and a coordinated response. Sudan’s history of internal strife, dating back to its independence in 1956, has created a fragile environment, now pushed to the brink.

causes of the Famine: A Complex Web of Factors

Several interconnected factors are driving the famine in Darfur and Kordofan:

* Armed Conflict: Intense fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has directly impacted food production and distribution. Farmers have been displaced, fields left uncultivated, and vital infrastructure destroyed.

* Displacement & Internal Migration: Millions have been forced to flee their homes, creating a massive internally displaced person (IDP) crisis. These displaced populations are particularly vulnerable to hunger and disease.

* Disrupted Agricultural Seasons: The conflict has repeatedly disrupted planting and harvesting seasons,leading to meaningful crop failures. Sudan relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture, making it especially susceptible to these disruptions.

* Obstruction of Humanitarian Aid: Access for humanitarian organizations is severely restricted, with reports of aid convoys being blocked, looted, and personnel targeted. This deliberate obstruction exacerbates the suffering.

* Economic Collapse: Sudan’s already fragile economy has been further crippled by the conflict, leading to soaring food prices and reduced purchasing power for ordinary citizens.

* Climate Change Impacts: Prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, linked to climate change, have contributed to crop failures and water scarcity, compounding the crisis.

Regional Impact: Darfur and Kordofan as Epicenters

The regions of Darfur and Kordofan are bearing the brunt of the famine.

* Darfur: Historically prone to conflict and instability, Darfur is now facing its worst food security crisis in decades. The region has witnessed a resurgence of violence, targeting civilians and disrupting humanitarian operations.

* Kordofan: Similar to Darfur, Kordofan has experienced intense fighting and widespread displacement. The disruption of agricultural activities has led to severe food shortages.

* Bordering Countries: The crisis is also impacting neighboring countries like Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad, and Libya, as refugees seek safety and resources across borders.This puts additional strain on already limited resources in these nations.

The Scale of the Crisis: Numbers and Projections

The numbers paint a grim picture:

1. Millions Facing Acute Hunger: Estimates suggest that over 18 million people in Sudan are currently facing acute hunger, with the situation worsening rapidly.
2. Malnutrition Rates Soaring: malnutrition rates, particularly among children and pregnant women, are alarmingly high. severe acute malnutrition can lead to long-term health problems and even death.
3. Risk of Famine Declaration: several areas within Darfur and kordofan are at imminent risk of being declared famine zones, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
4. Displacement Figures: Over 6.5 million people have been internally displaced since the conflict began in april 2023, according to UNHCR.
5. Refugee Numbers: Hundreds of thousands have fled Sudan to neighboring countries, seeking refuge from the violence and hunger.

Humanitarian Response: Challenges and Needs

Delivering aid to those in need is a monumental challenge:

* Access Constraints: Gaining access to conflict zones remains the biggest obstacle.

* Funding Shortfalls: Humanitarian organizations are facing significant funding shortfalls,hindering their ability to scale up operations.

* Security Risks: Aid workers are operating in a perilous environment, facing threats of violence and looting.

* Logistical Hurdles: The destruction of infrastructure and the disruption of supply chains make it difficult to transport aid to affected areas.

Critical Needs:

* Food Assistance: Urgent provision of food aid is essential to prevent widespread starvation.

* Nutritional Support: Targeted nutritional programs are needed to address malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups.

* Healthcare: access to healthcare services is crucial to treat the sick and injured.

* Water and Sanitation: Providing clean water and sanitation facilities is vital to prevent the spread of disease.

* Protection: protecting civilians from violence and ensuring their safety is paramount.

Long-Term Solutions: Addressing the Root Causes

Addressing the famine requires not only immediate humanitarian assistance but also long-term solutions to address the root causes of the conflict and food insecurity:

* Ceasefire & Political Dialogue: A lasting ceasefire