United Nations: War and drought exacerbate the risk of famine in Sudan

United Nations experts reported Monday that the risk of famine is increasing in many areas of Sudan affected by the war, noting that the drought caused by the "El Niño" phenomenon is exacerbating the already deteriorating conditions.

The situation in most of the areas classified as being at risk of famine, according to the Integrated Interim Classification of Food Security analysis issued in May 2026, remains extremely worrying, while new data indicate worsening rates of acute malnutrition in other areas.

This classification was issued by a group of experts supported by the United Nations that measures levels of hunger and malnutrition worldwide.

“Despite increasing signs of catastrophic deterioration, humanitarian intervention efforts are increasingly limited by severe funding shortfalls and insecurity, as well as access restrictions throughout Kordofan,” the experts said.

In South Darfur, investigations revealed a worsening of the situation, especially among the displaced.

The level of acute food insecurity also remains serious in North Darfur, where delayed rainfall has had a devastating impact on crops, forcing many displaced farmers to rely on markets to secure their food instead of relying on their own production, according to the experts’ statement.

The Integrated Interim Classification of Food Security indicates that food stocks in North Darfur have reached critical levels, and rising food prices reflect growing shortages.

In turn, the World Health Organization expressed in a statement its regret that health care is very limited, and often not available at all, while drinking water becomes increasingly scarce, making malnourished populations highly vulnerable to disease and death.

The experts and the World Health Organization called for an end to the fighting, strengthening humanitarian aid, and providing long-term funding to Sudan in light of the ongoing war between the Rapid Support Forces and the army since April 2023.