Famine Plausible in Parts of Sudan, According to IPC Famine Review Committee

Areas of North Darfur, Sudan are very likely facing famine conditions, according to a new report from the Famine Review Committee (FRC) of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The committee’s findings come after careful plausibility review of recent IPC analysis by FEWS Net and the Sudan IPC Technical Working Group.

IPC defines famine conditions as “. . . when at least one in five (or 20 percent) people or households have an extreme lack of food and face starvation and destitution, resulting in extremely critical levels of acute malnutrition and death.”

Sudan’s internally displaced population remains the major concern. Specifically, the Zamzam camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Al Fasher, North Darfur, which is home to at least 500,000 people, has been pushed into famine as a result of escalating violence over the past 15 months that has limited humanitarian food aid and led to severe food shortages and skyrocketing food prices. The fighting has also destroyed infrastructure, displaced wide swathes of the population, and reduced access to water, sanitation, and health services. The report finds it plausible that famine conditions will persist in the Zamzam camp through October 2024.

FEWS Net also cites reasonable evidence that famine may also be ongoing in the Abu Shouk and Al Salam IDP camps; however, data is limited, and experts have been unable to confirm or deny the famine classification in these areas. Despite the lack of official classification, however, FEWS Net states that at a minimum, many IDPs are facing starvation conditions that indicate IPC Phase 5 food insecurity (Catastrophe).

The last delivery of humanitarian aid took place in April, and existing food stocks among IDP populations are likely to be very limited. The situation is further complicated by the start of the traditional lean season, which typically brings increasing food insecurity even in normal years. IPC reports it is unlikely humanitarian distributions will begin again before the end of the lean season.

The report calls for a cessation of hostilities, efforts to resolve or at least reduce the underlying drivers of the conflict, and restoration of humanitarian access, particularly in IDP camps.

Continued monitoring and reporting will also be crucial to gain an integrated understanding of the scenario throughout the country.