Full Breakdown
Sudan’s Food Insecurity Deepens as Conflict, Drought and Funding Gaps Collide
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Conflict Background and Humanitarian Impact
The war that began in April 2023 between Sudan’s regular army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) quickly spread from Khartoum to the western states of Darfur and Kordofan. Conflict monitors ACLED estimate at least 150,000 deaths, while humanitarian agencies say the true toll is likely higher. The fighting has displaced roughly 13 million people and disrupted agricultural production, pushing large swaths of the country toward famine.
Scale of Insecurity and Malnutrition
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports that, in May, about 19.5 million Sudanese—over 40 % of the population—were experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. Of these, 135 000 people were classified in Phase 5, the most severe level indicating extreme shortages, starvation and heightened mortality. Crop-growth assessments show 64 % of cropland in North Darfur and about half of the land in South Darfur, West Kordofan and South Kordofan suffered poor growth. In Nyala, the share of children admitted for severe acute malnutrition rose from roughly 5 % to 11 % between January and August. Two displacement camps in South Darfur recorded global acute malnutrition rates above famine thresholds.
Recent Violence and Official Statements
In a separate incident, an airstrike in the North Wadi border area killed at least 72 civilian miners engaged in artisanal gold extraction, according to the rights group Emergency Lawyers. Earlier in June, Egyptian security forces detained hundreds of individuals, including foreigners, accusing them of illegal gold mining and smuggling. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also confirmed the death of two Egyptian truck drivers in Khartoum after a gunman was apprehended.
Outlook and Humanitarian Needs
The IPC warns that without a rapid and substantial increase in assistance, food insecurity, acute malnutrition and excess mortality are likely to intensify. Humanitarian organizations stress that ending the conflict and guaranteeing safe, sustained humanitarian access are essential prerequisites for any meaningful improvement in Sudan’s deteriorating humanitarian situation.