The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is escalating, with fears growing that the ongoing famine could become the deadliest in over a decade. Recent reports highlight the devastating impact of Sudan’s civil war, which has led to severe food shortages and massive displacement.
Overview of the Famine Crisis
1. Current Situation in Sudan
- Civil War Impact: For the past 16 months, Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has resulted in over 14,000 deaths and the internal displacement of nearly 10.7 million people.
- Famine Declaration: On August 1, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’s Famine Review Committee (FRC) declared a famine in Zamzam camp, North Darfur. This is only the third time in its history that the FRC has used this categorisation.
2. Criteria for Famine
The FRC’s definition of famine involves:
- Extreme Food Shortages: At least 20% of households facing severe food shortages.
- Acute Malnutrition: At least 30% of children suffering from acute malnutrition.
- High Death Rate: Daily death rates exceeding 2 people per 10,000.
3. Situation at Zamzam Camp
- Camp Size and Conditions: Zamzam is one of the largest internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Sudan, with estimates of 500,000 to 800,000 residents. The camp is struggling with an influx of new displaced individuals and threats from floods that risk contaminating water and sanitation facilities.
- Blocked Aid: Humanitarian aid has been blocked due to ongoing conflict, exacerbating the famine conditions. The FRC report highlighted that both the SAF and RSF are preventing food deliveries as part of their warfare strategy.
Global Reactions and Warnings
1. Comparison to Past Famine
- Historical Context: U.S. officials have warned that the current crisis in Sudan could surpass the 2011 famine in Somalia, which claimed the lives of an estimated 250,000 people, half of whom were children under five.
- Man-Made Crisis: Samantha Power, USAID Administrator, emphasised that the famine is a “man-made” disaster, exacerbated by the deliberate obstruction of food aid by warring factions.
2. Widespread Hunger
- Acute Hunger: The UN estimates that about 25.6 million people in Sudan, over half the population, are facing acute hunger. This includes more than 755,000 people who are on the brink of famine.
- Child Malnutrition: In Central Darfur, more than 90% of children screened by humanitarian organisations are suffering from acute malnutrition.
3. Aid Efforts and Obstacles
- Humanitarian Relief: Aid workers have been unable to reach IDP camps in Darfur since April due to the ongoing conflict. The World Food Programme (WFP) and other global agencies have called for unrestricted access to deliver food and medical supplies.
- Access Issues: Efforts to provide relief have been hampered by the warring factions’ control over key access points within Sudan and its borders.
What Can Be Done?
1. International Response
- Calls for Action: There is a pressing need for the international community to intervene and pressure the warring parties to allow humanitarian access.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Engaging in diplomatic efforts to negotiate safe passage for aid could help mitigate the crisis and prevent further loss of life.
2. Support for Aid Organizations
- Funding and Resources: Increased funding and resources for organisations working on the ground are crucial to addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the famine.
- Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the crisis can help mobilise support and ensure that the situation remains a priority on the global agenda.
Conclusion
The famine crisis in Sudan is rapidly worsening, with the potential to become the deadliest in recent history. The situation in Zamzam camp and other affected areas is dire, with blocked aid and escalating hunger threatening countless lives. Immediate international intervention and increased support for humanitarian efforts are essential to addressing this crisis and preventing further tragedy.
