Famine Crisis in Darfur: Urgent Need for Humanitarian Intervention Amid Sudan Conflict

A severe famine, exacerbated by war and restricted aid access, is ravaging North Darfur's Zamzam camp in Sudan. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports the crisis amid the world's largest internal displacement, necessitating immediate humanitarian support.

Sudan's protracted conflict has resulted in a devastating famine in North Darfur's Zamzam camp, with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirming the crisis in its latest report. The famine's classification, only the third in 20 years, underscores the severity of the situation, with half of Sudan's population now in dire need of humanitarian aid.

The 15-month war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created an unprecedented internal displacement crisis, leaving millions vulnerable. Experts warn that this famine should prompt a U.N. Security Council resolution to facilitate cross-border relief efforts. Zamzam camp, housing 500,000 internally displaced people, is facing acute malnutrition and high mortality rates with no humanitarian aid in sight.

The conflict and restricted access to aid are cited as primary causes of the famine in Zamzam, with similar conditions suspected in other parts of Darfur. Satellite imagery showing rapidly expanding cemeteries corroborates rising mortality due to starvation and disease. As Sudan's lean season exacerbates food shortages, the international community is urged to take immediate action to avert further catastrophe.

(With inputs from agencies.)