A new report from the Global Hunger Monitor has confirmed that two major cities in Sudan—El Fasher in North Darfur and Wad Madani in Al Jazirah State—are now officially experiencing famine conditions, marking one of the gravest humanitarian emergencies of the year.
The assessment, released on Tuesday November 4th, revealed that months of violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have disrupted food supply chains, displaced millions, and destroyed farmlands. Over five million people are now facing catastrophic levels of hunger.
Aid agencies have described the situation as “beyond dire,” warning that without immediate intervention, thousands could die from starvation and disease. UNICEF also expressed deep concern over child malnutrition, estimating that more than 700,000 children are at risk of death if relief efforts do not scale up.
Despite repeated international appeals, humanitarian access remains severely restricted, particularly in RSF-controlled areas. The UN has called for an urgent ceasefire to allow safe passage for aid convoys.
The confirmation of famine places Sudan among a growing list of countries where conflict and climate shocks have combined to trigger extreme hunger, alongside Gaza and parts of Yemen.
