Half of Sudan's population faces hunger as civil war escalates

Sudan is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis as the nation has entered its second year of a brutal civil war that erupted on April 15, 2023. More than half of the country's 50 million people are now at risk of severe hunger, with around 25 million facing acute hunger and at least 638,000 classified as experiencing catastrophic hunger. The conflict primarily features intense battles between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to widespread destruction, particularly in the capital, Khartoum, and the Darfur provinces. The fighting has led to the displacement of nearly 13 million individuals, of whom 4 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries. As the war progresses, the military has achieved some territorial gains, allowing humanitarian organizations to reach areas previously cut off from assistance. However, a dire situation remains in the North Darfur region, where famine was first declared last August. The RSF has put the Zamzam camp under siege, exacerbating the situation for those trapped. Kashif Shafique, the country director for Relief International Sudan, highlighted the urgency of the humanitarian crisis, stating that the conflict has continued longer than necessary and has resulted in the deaths of many humanitarian workers. Although the military's recent recapture of parts of Khartoum has provided some hope, the humanitarian needs continue to grow as aid workers struggle to reach affected populations throughout Sudan. The UN has designated this conflict as the world's worst humanitarian emergency, and an acute funding shortfall is hampering efforts to provide necessary assistance. As of March, only 6.3% of the $4.2 billion needed for humanitarian efforts in Sudan had been received. Despite some areas regaining access, conditions remain precarious, and the situation continues to deteriorate as the famine spreads, threatening countless lives across the nation.