Famine Conditions Worsen in Sudan's Darfur Region Amid Ongoing Conflict

Famine conditions have been confirmed in the towns of Umm Baru and Kernoi in Sudan's North Darfur region, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). In Umm Baru, 53% of children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, while in Kernoi, the rate is nearly 32%. These alarming figures suggest an increased risk of excess mortality and raise concerns that nearby areas may be experiencing similar catastrophic conditions.

The IPC had previously confirmed famine in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and Kadugli in South Kordofan. The fall of El Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in October 2025 led to mass displacement, exacerbating food insecurity in surrounding areas. The ongoing conflict between Sudan's military and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people.

In South Kordofan, an RSF attack on Al-Kuweik Military Hospital killed 22 people, including the hospital's medical director and three other healthcare workers. The Sudan Doctors Network condemned the attack, stating that targeting health facilities and medical personnel constitutes a war crime and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, the United States and the United Nations have launched a $700 million humanitarian fund for Sudan, with $200 million pledged by the U.S. and $500 million by the United Arab Emirates. The initiative aims to address the world's largest humanitarian crisis, as the conflict continues to devastate the country.