UN-backed IPC analysts warn famine is spreading across western Darfur, with famine thresholds for acute malnutrition exceeded in North Darfur areas including Um Baru and Kernoi. The RSF capture of El-Fasher last October and sustained conflict have driven massive displacement and strained local services, contributing to rising malnutrition. The alert — not a formal famine declaration — says about 20 more areas in Darfur and neighbouring Kordofan are at heightened risk, while humanitarian access remains severely limited.
UN-Backed Experts Warn Famine Is Spreading Across Darfur as Conflict Cuts Off Aid
Sudanese displaced from the Heglig area in western Sudan wait to receive humanitarian aid at the Abu al-Naga displacement Camp in the in Gedaref State, some 420km east of the capital Khartoum on December 30, 2025. Since its outbreak in April 2023, the war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced nearly 12 million. At the end of October, the paramilitary group seized control El-Fasher, the conclusion of a bitter 18-month siege for the strategic hub in western Sudan's Darfur region and marked by reports of mass killings and sexual violence. (Abdulrahman GUMAA)(Abdulrahman GUMAA/AFP/AFP)
UN-backed food security experts have issued a stark warning that famine is widening across western Darfur as Sudan's protracted conflict between the regular army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leaves millions hungry, displaced and largely cut off from humanitarian assistance.
Alert From IPC and Areas of Immediate Concern
In an alert from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), analysts said that "famine thresholds for acute malnutrition have now been surpassed" in contested parts of North Darfur — notably Um Baru and Kernoi, near the border with Chad. The IPC warned these rates increase the risk of excess mortality and raised concerns that neighbouring areas may be experiencing similarly catastrophic conditions.
"These alarming rates suggest an increased risk of excess mortality and raise concern that nearby areas may be experiencing similar catastrophic conditions," the IPC experts said.
Drivers: Displacement, Siege and Breakdown of Services
Experts linked the spread of famine to the RSF takeover of El-Fasher, North Darfur's main city, last October. The capture — after roughly 18 months of bombardment and severe shortages — triggered massive displacement. UN figures indicate at least 127,000 people fled El-Fasher to nearby towns already under severe strain.
Prolonged fighting, mass displacement and the erosion of health, water and food systems are driving acute malnutrition higher. In Um Baru, children with severe acute malnutrition have very limited access to treatment; in Kernoi only about 25% of affected children are enrolled in therapeutic programmes, the IPC said.
Wider Context and Other Hotspots
The IPC alert is not a formal famine declaration but signals a severe food security and nutrition crisis based on the latest data. The warning follows an earlier IPC confirmation of famine conditions in parts of El-Fasher and Kadugli (South Kordofan) nearly three months ago. Dilling, also recently besieged, is believed to be experiencing comparable conditions though insecure access has prevented a formal declaration.
Overall, the IPC said about 20 additional areas across Darfur and neighbouring Kordofan face heightened risk of famine. Fighting in Kordofan has displaced roughly 88,000 people since October, and across Sudan more than 21 million people — nearly half the population — now face acute food insecurity, with around two-thirds urgently needing assistance.
Accountability and Sanctions
Both the army and the RSF have been accused of atrocities throughout the conflict. On Thursday, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on six individuals alleged to have carried out abuses or to have enabled fighting by supplying mercenaries and military equipment. "Through these sanctions, we will seek to dismantle the war machine of those who perpetrate or profit from the brutal violence in Sudan," British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said.
Humanitarian Access and Outlook
Humanitarian access remains severely constrained across Darfur, limiting lifesaving health and nutrition services. IPC analysts warn that continued displacement, ongoing conflict and the collapse of basic services will likely drive further rises in acute malnutrition and excess mortality unless access and assistance increase substantially.
Key numbers: Since April 2023 the conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced about 11 million people; at least 127,000 fled El-Fasher; roughly 88,000 displaced in Kordofan since October; over 21 million people face acute food insecurity nationwide.
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