The World Food Programme has raised alarms about severe food shortages in el-Fasher, Sudan, where civilians face starvation due to a prolonged siege by paramilitary forces. With humanitarian access increasingly restricted, families are resorting to dire measures for survival.
Starvation Looms in El-Fasher as Sudan’s Civil War Continues to Rage
Starvation Looms in El-Fasher as Sudan’s Civil War Continues to Rage
UN warns of imminent starvation for residents in the besieged city of el-Fasher amidst ongoing conflict.
As Sudan's civil war escalates into its third year, the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a grave warning regarding the besieged city of el-Fasher in the Darfur region. Families trapped in the city face the specter of starvation as the WFP has been unable to deliver food supplies via road for over a year due to siege conditions instigated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
El-Fasher has been surrounded by RSF troops for nearly 16 months, who are engaged in a relentless battle against Sudan's armed forces to capture the city, which remains a significant stronghold. Local activists have reported increasing fatalities attributed to starvation, with around 300,000 residents still in the city trying to cope amidst the mounting humanitarian crisis.
The conflict began in April 2023 as a power struggle erupted between the Sudanese army and the RSF, leading to a disastrous humanitarian situation across the nation. The children's agency UNICEF has raised alarms about rising malnutrition, with many children visibly suffering from severe weight loss.
Al-Hafiz Bakhit, the Governor of North Darfur, aligned with the military government, described daily life in el-Fasher as increasingly unbearable and has called for urgent humanitarian assistance. The escalation of clashes has intensified as RSF forces have been pushed from the capital, Khartoum.
Reports indicate that nearly 38% of children under five in internally displaced persons camps near el-Fasher are suffering from acute malnutrition, exacerbated by extreme food shortages that have caused prices to skyrocket. The WFP noted that individuals are struggling to find anything to eat, resorting to animal fodder and food waste.
Eric Perdison, WFP's regional director, emphasized the dire situation faced by residents. "Everyone in el-Fasher is facing a daily struggle to survive," he said, warning that without immediate and sustained aid, lives could be lost.
The WFP has food supplies ready for distribution and has received clearance from the Sudanese government to proceed, but awaits confirmation from the RSF regarding a humanitarian ceasefire. Despite calls for a week-long truce, the RSF has rebuffed proposals, citing concerns over the logistics of assistance efforts.
As the conflict continues, over one million people have fled el-Fasher since fighting erupted, seeking refuge from the relentless violence and deprivation. The WFP also highlighted recent developments showing limited progress in delivering aid to other parts of Darfur, but warns that these advances could quickly unravel with the arrival of the rainy season.
Sheldon Yett, UNICEF's Sudan representative, noted some improvements in certain areas but lamented stretched resources due to funding cuts. He warned of an impending catastrophe for a generation of children, urging that immediate action and access for aid are critical to prevent further suffering.
Overall, the situation in Sudan remains exceedingly dire, with warnings of irreversible damage looming over both the population and the humanitarian infrastructure.
