Famine is gripping two regions of war-torn Sudan, hunger monitoring group says

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has confirmed famine in el-Fasher (Darfur) and Kadugli (South Kordofan) in war-torn Sudan, attributing the crisis to the ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military. These areas, along with 20 others, face extreme malnutrition and a collapse of livelihoods due to prolonged sieges, pushing approximately 375,000 people into famine and leaving 6.3 million facing extreme hunger as of September. Overall, 45% of Sudan's population, or over 21 million people, are acutely food insecure, highlighting a severe man-made humanitarian catastrophe that the IPC states can only be mitigated by an immediate ceasefire.

Analysis

Famine has been officially declared in el-Fasher and Kadugli, two regions of Sudan, by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), with an additional 20 areas at risk due to the ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military. This declaration underscores a severe, man-made humanitarian crisis, marking a rare confirmation by the leading international hunger monitoring authority.

The conflict has directly led to 375,000 people being pushed into famine in Darfur and Kordofan as of September, with a staggering 6.3 million facing extreme hunger across Sudan. Overall, 45% of the population, or over 21 million people, are acutely food insecure, a situation exacerbated by RSF sieges, which have caused a total collapse of livelihoods and extremely high levels of malnutrition and death.

While the military's recapture of Khartoum led to a 6% drop in acute food insecurity in some areas, the intensification of fighting in Darfur and Kordofan continues to drive the crisis, displacing 14 million people and killing over 40,000. The IPC explicitly states that a ceasefire is the sole measure capable of preventing further loss of life and containing the extreme levels of acute food insecurity and malnutrition.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors should monitor the escalating conflict in Sudan for broader geopolitical instability, particularly its potential to disrupt regional supply chains or humanitarian aid efforts.
• Evaluate the indirect impact on agricultural commodity markets, given the severe food insecurity affecting 45% of Sudan's population, which could influence global food prices or aid demand.
• Assess the long-term implications for regional economic development and stability, as prolonged conflict and humanitarian crises can deter foreign investment and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities in neighboring economies.