The conflict between warring militias has been ongoing for 15 months, severely impacting humanitarian access and leading to famine in parts of North Darfur, particularly in the Zamzam camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to the latest report from the Famine Review Committee of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
The IPC, a global initiative involving UN agencies, regional partners, and aid organizations, categorizes food insecurity into five phases, with the fifth phase indicating famine where at least one in five people or households experience extreme food scarcity and face starvation.
Learn more about famine and the IPC in our explainer here.
Devastation at Zamzam camp
The Zamzam camp, one of the largest IDP camps in Sudan, located approximately 12 kilometers south of El Fasher, has seen a rapid increase in population in recent weeks to at least 500,000 people.
“The scale of devastation caused by the escalating violence in El Fasher town is profound and heartbreaking,” the report stated.
Ongoing clashes have forced many residents to seek refuge in IDP camps, where they face challenges due to limited basic services and the hardships of displacement.
Main drivers
Approximately 320,000 people have been displaced in El Fasher since mid-April, with 150,000 to 200,000 seeking shelter at Zamzam camp since mid-May in search of security, basic services, and food.
“The main causes of famine at Zamzam camp are conflict and restricted humanitarian access, both of which can be addressed with political will,” the IPC report stated.
Restrictions on humanitarian access, including obstacles imposed by parties involved in the conflict, have hindered aid organizations’ ability to effectively respond to the crisis.
Conditions could deteriorate
The report provided recommendations for humanitarian partners and decision-makers to address the situation.
“If conflict persists and humanitarian and commercial access remains limited, famine conditions will worsen,” the IPC report warned, highlighting the latest hunger assessments in Sudan and the looming famine threat earlier this year.
To mitigate the food security, nutrition, and health challenges faced by populations in El Fasher and beyond, the report emphasized the need for a cessation of hostilities and improved humanitarian access.
Grim projections
From August to October 2024, the IPC forecasted worsening conditions due to limited access to food, increased disease risks, and inadequate healthcare and nutrition services.
The report raised concerns about waterborne diseases, potential measles outbreaks, and malaria incidents linked to the rainy season.
To prevent these scenarios, the IPC report recommended halting attacks on essential infrastructure, ensuring access for humanitarian and commercial actors, and focusing on resolving the underlying conflict in Sudan.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.