Severe Hunger Crisis in Sudan: UN Experts Warn of Imminent Famine
According to UN experts, a staggering 97% of the population in Sudan is currently grappling with severe hunger, with accusations directed at both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces for employing starvation tactics against civilians. This alarming situation has been described as the largest famine in modern history, affecting approximately 25 million people across the country. The experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, urged immediate action to alleviate the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need.
Famine has already been declared in the Zamzam camp for displaced individuals in Darfur, with warnings that other camps in the region are also at risk. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has severely hindered the delivery of aid, with only minimal assistance reaching the beleaguered population. The reopening of the Adre crossing with Chad has not significantly improved the situation, as the current aid influx is insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs of the people.
The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by seasonal floods, which have caused extensive damage to agriculture and livestock. Experts have pointed out that mining and water pollution further complicate the already dire circumstances. Both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have been implicated in war crimes, including the deliberate targeting of civilians and obstruction of humanitarian aid delivery.
