The UN’s announcement coincided with negotiations facilitated by the organization between conflicting parties \u2013 the SAF and RSF \u2013 concerning humanitarian issues in Geneva in early July. Following these discussions, RSF committed to easing the distribution of humanitarian aid in various Sudanese regions, particularly those under its control. These developments unfolded against the backdrop of a dire humanitarian crisis in Darfur, where the ongoing conflict between SAF and RSF has led to the displacement of millions, causing them to lose their homes, belongings, and basic necessities for survival.<\/p>\n
In a July 21, 2024 interview with Darfur24<\/a>, Mr. Harward shared that reports from the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdul Wahid Mohamed Nur indicated that Jebel Marra, under their control, hosted around 5 million displaced individuals. Harward described the situation in Darfur as catastrophic, stressing the UN’s commitment to negotiating with all parties to secure access \u2013 by air or land \u2013 to provide food, medicine, and shelter to all affected areas and individuals in need.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, numerous long-standing and newly displaced persons in camps near Nyala, Zalingei, Al Fashir, and Al Daein continue to face the looming threat of famine. This includes thousands of malnourished children, women, and elderly individuals due to the obstruction of humanitarian aid.<\/p>\n \u00a0The Food Security Situation in the Region:<\/strong><\/p>\n A collaborative report by WFP, FAO, and UNICEF (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification IFSC<\/a>) has foreseen a looming acute food crisis across all areas of Darfur due to ongoing conflicts and significant agricultural production deficits.<\/p>\n As per the findings, 5% of the population in Central Darfur is at Stage 5 (disaster or famine), 27% at Stage 4 (emergency), 35% at Stage 3 (crisis), 25% at Stage 2 (stress), with only 8% falling under Stage 1 (food insecurity) as per IFSC guidelines. The study encompassed nearly two million individuals in Central Darfur.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n East Darfur Less than 1% of the population were classified at stage 5, 12% at stage 4 (indicating susceptibility to acute food insecurity), 36% at stage 3, and 36% at stage 2, with the remaining 16% at stage 1 of the IFSC. The survey encompassed around 1.8 million individuals in East Darfur.<\/p>\n \u00a0 North In Darfur, the highest percentage was recorded with 6% of the population experiencing a disaster and famine situation. Additionally, 28% are at risk of acute food insecurity, 35% are in a state of food insecurity crisis, 23% are in a stress stage, and 9% are in the first stage according to IFSC. The survey included approximately 2.5 million people.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In South Darfur, 4% of the population is categorized in the fifth stage, 24% in the fourth stage, 36% in the third stage, 25% in the second stage, and just 11% are in the first stage. The survey encompassed over 3.6 million individuals.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In West Darfur, 4% of the population faces the risk of famine, 26% are at risk of acute food insecurity, 35% are experiencing food insecurity, 25% are under food insecurity pressure, and 10% are on the brink of food insecurity. The survey encompassed around 1.3 million individuals.<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In a related context, the World Food Programme (WFP<\/a>) cautioned in May 2024 that chances are closing to address the famine threat in Darfur. The escalating conflicts in Al Fashir are impeding efforts to deliver humanitarian aid. Additionally, authorities in Port Sudan are restricting the transportation of aid through Adr\u00e9, putting WFP’s crucial aid distribution plans for Darfur at risk. Michael Dunford, the WFP’s Regional Director for East Africa emphasized the significance of securing humanitarian access to Sudan’s conflict zones. He stressed the necessity of using the Adr\u00e9 border crossing to transport aid through Port Sudan to reach those in need across Darfur.<\/p>\n On April 5, 2024, the WFP<\/a> announced during a press conference the arrival of relief supplies through the Chadian border to Darfur for the first time. Approximately 250,000 individuals experiencing severe hunger are expected to benefit from these deliverie<\/p>\n In Darfur, Malnutrition Crisis:<\/strong><\/p>\n According to a press release<\/a> by UNICEF on May 30, 2024, 15.6% of children under five in Central Darfur are severely malnourished, while this number rises to 30% in Zam Zam camp in North Darfur. The situation has deteriorated recently, with no signs of improvement due to the ongoing conflict and limited humanitarian access. Tests by MSF in Zamzam camp in North Darfur in April 2024 revealed that over 33% of pregnant and lactating women are malnourished. The crisis is evident in Zamzam camp, where food distribution by the WFP has been halted since May 2023.<\/p>\n On July 21, 2024, Mr. Toby Harward highlighted in a tweet on his X platform account<\/a> that 77 children were recently held at the Spanish MSF facility in Rukirro, Central Darfur. The children were suffering from severe malnutrition. He noted a concerning trend of increasing numbers of children in the hospital each week, along with high mortality rates.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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