In the heart of Sudan, a humanitarian disaster is unfolding with millions of lives hanging by a thread. As the nation grapples with a worsening food crisis, a report by a coalition of NGOs, including Action Against Hunger, CARE International, International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, paints a dire picture of a population surviving on just one meal a day. The conflict, now in its third year, has reached catastrophic levels, upending the lives of millions and forcing them to flee their homes.
The report underscores the devastating impact of the war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The use of siege tactics and deliberate destruction of farming areas have systematically dismantled Sudan’s food infrastructure, leading to widespread hunger. In North Darfur and South Kordofan, the two states worst hit by the conflict, families are struggling to access even a single meal a day. The situation is so dire that many are forced to forage for leaves and animal feed to sustain themselves.
NGOs report that communal kitchens, which were established to collectively prepare and share meals, are struggling to meet the growing demand with diminishing resources. The economic crisis and climate change have further exacerbated the situation, pushing the country towards an even more perilous edge. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the Sudanese government and RSF have denied the existence of famine and responsibility for the dire conditions in their respective areas.
The United Nations has reported widespread atrocities and ethnically charged violence, with more than 12 million people displaced and over 33 million in need of humanitarian aid. The actual death toll could be significantly higher, according to aid groups. In November, the global hunger monitor confirmed famine conditions in el-Fasher and Kadugli for the first time. The situation in Um Baru and Kernoi has reached critical levels, with the rate of acutely malnourished children under five nearly doubling the famine threshold.
The report also highlights the disproportionate impact on women and girls, who face heightened risks of rape and harassment when venturing out for food or water. Female-headed households are three times more likely to experience food shortages than male-headed households, adding a layer of vulnerability to an already dire situation. As Sudan continues to teeter on the brink of disaster, the international community watches with growing concern, hoping for a resolution that can alleviate the suffering of its most vulnerable citizens.
Source: aljazeera
Original author: Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters
