Sudan: Darfur Faces Famine Threat As Drought and Soaring Food Prices Deepen Crisis

What the report says

Darfur is facing an escalating food emergency, according to the General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur, which warned of an imminent famine amid weak rainfall, surging prices and disrupted trade. The warning, reported by Dabanga and distributed by AllAfrica, was centered on Nierteti and El Obeid, with local communities struggling to obtain basic supplies during the current agricultural season.

Spokesperson Adam Rijal said poor rainfall has damaged planting conditions and, alongside higher commodity prices, could push more people into famine unless humanitarian groups intervene quickly. The report says markets in Central Darfur have already seen steep increases in staple costs, while farmers are contending with expensive seeds and fertiliser, fuel shortages and large areas of uncultivated land.

The article also links the worsening crisis to road closures and sieges that have made trade more difficult and pushed food beyond the reach of many households. In addition to the Darfur warning, the same report notes a separate humanitarian crisis in El Obeid, where Plan International said cholera, food shortages and disrupted water supplies were worsening conditions for displaced families. Together, these developments illustrate how conflict, displacement and climate stress are compounding hunger risks across parts of western and central Sudan.