By In a dire announcement highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis gripping Sudan, famine has been officially declared in a refugee camp in the Darfur region. The announcement comes from the United Nations-backed Famine Review Committee (FRC), underscoring the devastating toll of the country’s 15-month civil war.
The crisis in Sudan has forced hundreds of thousands into camps where food security organizations struggle to meet the needs of a rapidly growing displaced population.
The Zanzam camp, located near the city of El Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur state, has been in the throes of famine since June, according to the FRC. The camp’s population has ballooned to nearly half a million people as the civil war continues to displace communities. T
his declaration marks the FRC’s third such announcement since the monitoring system was established two decades ago and the first in more than seven years.
Official declarations of famine are rare and serve as urgent calls for international assistance. They are intended to galvanize global support and unlock funding to mitigate the crisis and prevent further loss of life. The FRC’s assessment is a stark reminder of the escalating humanitarian needs as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
While the famine declaration is currently limited to the Zanzam camp, the FRC has warned that many other areas across Sudan are at significant risk. The ongoing conflict and restricted humanitarian access exacerbate the risk of famine in these regions. The international community is urged to respond swiftly to prevent the situation from worsening.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel group, launched an armed uprising against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This conflict has devastated large swathes of the country, including the capital city of Khartoum, and has since spread to other regions.
The UN has labeled the situation in Sudan as one of the most severe humanitarian disasters in recent memory, with over 10 million people displaced internally and more than 25 million facing acute hunger.
The city of El Fasher, where the Zanzam camp is located, has been a focal point of the conflict. For months, it has been besieged by the RSF, further complicating efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to those in desperate need. The ongoing violence has crippled Sudan’s infrastructure, making it exceedingly difficult for aid agencies to operate effectively.
The declaration of famine in the Zanzam camp serves as a clarion call for international action. Humanitarian organizations emphasize the urgent need for increased funding and resources to address the growing crisis. Without immediate intervention, the situation could deteriorate further, leading to more widespread famine and suffering across Sudan.
The international community is being called upon to step up efforts to provide food, medical aid, and shelter to millions of Sudanese caught in the conflict. The UN and various NGOs are advocating for a coordinated response to ensure aid reaches those most in need, despite the challenging circumstances on the ground.
As Sudan faces this unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, the world watches with growing concern, aware that the actions taken in the coming weeks could determine the fate of millions.
