Sudan: Drought and War Push Darfur and Kordofan Towards Famine

What the report says

A UN-backed global hunger monitor has warned that famine risk is rising in parts of Sudan, where war and a severe El Niño-linked drought are deepening an already grave humanitarian crisis. In an alert reported by UN News and distributed by AllAfrica, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said conditions in Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan are worsening, with malnutrition increasing in several hotspots.

The report said surveys in displacement camps in Eastern Jebel Marra, South Darfur, found acute malnutrition among children above famine thresholds. It also described critical nutrition indicators across Greater Darfur, including a sharp increase in the share of children needing treatment for severe acute malnutrition in Nyala. The IPC said aid deliveries are struggling because of insecurity, restricted access and a major shortfall in funding.

The article said drought now affects more than half of Sudan, damaging crops and reducing food and income for families. In North Darfur, much cropland is showing poor plant growth, while late rains are unlikely to save most cereal harvests. Greater Kordofan, identified in the alert as a conflict epicenter, has seen large-scale displacement and repeated violence this year, including attacks on aid convoys.

The IPC said there is not yet enough survey data for a full famine classification, but it believes the situation is rapidly deteriorating. It called for an end to fighting, safer access for humanitarian teams and much more funding. More broadly, the warning underscores how conflict and climate stress are combining to push civilians closer to catastrophe.