Sudan is facing a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions, according to Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières/MSF). The organization reports unprecedented levels of acute malnutrition among those fleeing El Fasher, North Darfur, a city that has been under siege for over 500 days.
In a statement released from Port Sudan on Tuesday, MSF revealed that its medical teams are treating individuals arriving in Tawila after escaping atrocities allegedly committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Disturbingly, over 70% of children under the age of five arriving between October 27th and November 3rd are suffering from malnutrition, with 35% experiencing severe acute malnutrition.
Furthermore, assessments indicate that 60% of adults are malnourished, with 37% in a critical condition. These rates are even higher among pregnant and breastfeeding women. These findings corroborate earlier reports from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which has officially declared famine conditions in El Fasher and Kadugli.
Survivors arriving in Tawila recount that life in El Fasher has become unbearable following the closure of community kitchens, the cessation of humanitarian aid, and the destruction of markets. The price of seven kilograms of sorghum reached 500,000 Sudanese pounds (approximately $208 USD) in September, while a kilogram of sugar cost 130,000 pounds (approximately $54 USD).
MSF reports that those attempting to bring food into the city have been shot at by RSF forces, with many losing their lives or going missing. The organization expressed deep concern that thousands of people remain trapped inside El Fasher or are being held hostage, calling for safe passage for civilians and an end to widespread violations.
In Tawila, survivors are facing dire conditions. MSF data shows that half of the pregnant women who have received antenatal care since the beginning of the year are malnourished, with 15% suffering from severe cases and 35% from moderate cases, threatening an increase in low-birth-weight babies.
The crisis is not limited to Darfur. MSF teams have also reported a widespread deterioration in the nutritional status of children in the Blue Nile and Khartoum states due to food shortages, disease, lack of livelihoods, and access to clean water. At the Al-Damazin Teaching Hospital, medical teams treated 1,950 children for severe acute malnutrition between July and September, with 100 children dying as a result of the complications of malnutrition and cholera.
The situation in Sudan demands immediate and comprehensive action to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of its people.
