Sudan faces historic starvation crisis amid ongoing civil war

Sudan is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis due to ongoing civil war, which has led to a significant increase in hunger and food insecurity. Humanitarian organizations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Danish Refugee Council, and Mercy Corps, have reported that over 25 million people, more than half of the population, are facing acute food insecurity. Many families are struggling to survive on just one meal a day, often resorting to eating leaves or insects. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in the displacement of over 10 million people and thousands of deaths. The fighting between rival factions, namely the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has severely disrupted food production. Fields have been destroyed, mined, or abandoned, and livestock have been killed, exacerbating the food crisis. Despite recent peace talks in Switzerland aimed at improving humanitarian access, the absence of the Sudanese army has stalled progress towards a ceasefire. Aid organizations have highlighted the urgent need for international attention and support, as current funding for humanitarian efforts is only at 41% of what is required. Appeals for donations have garnered less than half of the necessary funds, leaving many in dire need of assistance. The humanitarian response has been criticized as insufficient and delayed, with calls for immediate action to ensure aid reaches those in need. The situation in Sudan is dire, with many people facing starvation daily. The international community's failure to adequately address the crisis has led to a growing sense of desperation among the population, who have shown remarkable resilience but are now running out of options to survive.