A hunger monitoring organization warned on Thursday that famine is becoming a more significant threat in additional areas of western Darfur, Sudan, which is already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis. This announcement came as an assault by paramilitary forces on a military hospital in the southern part of the country resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals, including the hospital’s director and three medical staff members.
Sudan has been embroiled in a conflict since April 2023, sparked by a power struggle between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group. The situation has led to what the United Nations describes as the most severe humanitarian crisis globally.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released a new report indicating that acute malnutrition in Darfur has escalated to famine levels in two additional towns. However, the report did not confirm a full-fledged famine in these areas. Previously, the group had declared famine conditions in El Fasher, a major city in Darfur overrun by paramilitary forces after an 18-month siege.
The recent attack in Kouik, South Kordofan province, resulted in 22 fatalities, including the hospital director and medical staff. Eight people were also injured in this incident, according to the Sudan Doctors’ Network. The network highlighted that this attack is part of a series of assaults that have plagued South Kordofan, rendering several hospitals non-operational.
Approximately 40,000 individuals have lost their lives in the Sudanese conflict, as estimated by the UN, although aid agencies believe the actual number could be significantly higher. Over 14 million people have been displaced from their homes due to the ongoing crisis.
A Grim Assessment
The IPC report pointed out that Umm Baru and Kernoi in North Darfur province are currently experiencing famine-level malnutrition. In Umm Baru, nearly 53% of children between six months and almost five years are suffering from acute malnutrition, surpassing the famine threshold of 30%. In Kernoi, 32% of children are facing malnutrition challenges.
The report raised concerns about elevated mortality risks and warned that nearby regions might be encountering similarly catastrophic situations. Since the conflict began, the IPC has confirmed famine in seven areas but hesitated to declare a full famine in Umm Baru and Kernoi due to limited access and data hindering the confirmation of essential famine criteria.
The fall of El Fasher in October 2025 to the RSF triggered a mass exodus to nearby towns, placing strain on neighboring communities and exacerbating food insecurity rates, as per the report findings.
The IPC emphasized the urgent need for a sustained ceasefire to prevent further suffering, starvation, and casualties in affected regions of Sudan.
Experts define famine based on specific criteria, including death tolls from malnutrition-related causes, severe food scarcity among households, and high rates of acute malnutrition among children under five years old.
Continued Conflict
Following the seizure of El Fasher by the RSF, clashes have intensified in various parts of Kordofan. Recently, the Sudanese military made significant advances in Kordofan after breaking the sieges in Kadugli and Dilling.
The Sudanese military reopened a crucial route between Dilling and Kadugli, previously besieged by the RSF. However, the RSF launched a drone attack on a medical center in Kadugli, resulting in 15 deaths, including seven children, according to the Sudan Doctors Network.
Efforts are underway to garner international support for humanitarian aid in Sudan, with the United States and the UN launching a new Sudan Humanitarian Fund backed by $700 million US in contributions from the United Arab Emirates and the U.S.
The Trump administration pledged $200 million US from a $2 billion US fund allocated for global humanitarian initiatives, while the UAE committed $500 million US. Other countries have also promised contributions to support the humanitarian efforts in Sudan.
