New York, February 06 (Darfur24)
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative has warned of a catastrophic deterioration in Sudan’s food and malnutrition crisis, stressing that famine conditions persist in several areas amid ongoing conflict and severe restrictions on humanitarian access.
In an urgent alert, the initiative said approximately 33.7 million people, nearly two-thirds of Sudan’s population, are expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026, marking one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.
The report noted that famine conditions have spread beyond their earlier confirmation in El Fasher and Kadugli. Areas including Um Buru and Karnoi in North Darfur have now exceeded famine thresholds, with Um Buru recording an acute malnutrition rate of 52.9 percent, nearly double the internationally recognized famine benchmark.
According to the alert, continued fighting has displaced about 9.6 million people, while more than 21 million face high levels of acute food insecurity due to attacks on markets and supply routes and the disruption of distribution networks.
The IPC projects that acute malnutrition cases could rise to 4.2 million in 2026, with an additional 20 areas across Darfur and Kordofan at serious risk of sliding into famine unless urgent action is taken.
The report added that more than one-third of Sudan’s health facilities are no longer functioning, as administrative and security obstacles hinder aid delivery, compounded by a critical shortfall in international funding.
A previous IPC analysis projected famine conditions in El Fasher and Kadugli through January 2025. However, the initiative emphasized that this does not signal an end to the crisis, warning that recent field data suggests famine conditions may persist or re-emerge in those areas.
The IPC called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and essential food, water, and health systems, and safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access.
It also urged the rapid and unconditional delivery of life-saving assistance, increased humanitarian funding to prevent further loss of life, and stronger information systems to support timely monitoring of food security conditions.
The initiative clarified that the alert does not constitute an official famine classification or population estimate. Instead, it is intended to draw urgent attention to the worsening food security and nutrition situation based on the latest available evidence and to prompt immediate action.
The alert relies on data available through January 27, 2026, and follows a November 2025 analysis that classified famine conditions in El Fasher and Kadugli and warned of similar risks in dozens of areas across Darfur and Kordofan, amid escalating conflict and restricted access to besieged cities including El Obeid, Dilling, and Kadugli.