Sudan famine worsens as conflict goes onーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Famine: A severe and widespread scarcity of food, caused by crop failure, natural disasters, or political conflict, leading to starvation.
• Severe Food Insecurity: A state where individuals lack regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life.
• Sudan's Civil Conflict: The ongoing power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Siege: A military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling the surrender of those inside.
• Humanitarian Aid: Assistance given to people in need, especially in disaster-stricken areas.
• Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting.

Famine and Severe Hunger in Sudan

The video highlights the escalating crisis of severe hunger in Sudan, with parts of the country now experiencing famine conditions. A joint committee from the World Food Program and other agencies has confirmed famine in Alfasa (Daro region, western Sudan) and Kaduri (south). These dire food shortages are a consequence of the political instability that followed the 2019 collapse of the dictatorship, leading to a military coup and internal army infighting.

Scale of Food Insecurity

A report released on Monday indicates that over 21 million people across Sudan, representing nearly half of the population, are facing severe food insecurity, including famine. Humanitarian officials anticipate that these dire conditions will persist until January of the following year. A direct quote from a Sudanese individual underscores the urgency: "We can't do anything. We have no clothes or food. We need aid urgently, especially clothing. As the cold season is getting close."

Causes of the Crisis

Kojima May, reporting from Cairo, identifies the primary driver of this crisis as the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This is particularly evident in El Fasher, in the Daro region, which has been under RSF siege for over a year, trapping civilians and hindering aid delivery. Another significant factor is the transformation of agricultural fields into battlegrounds, threatening farmers and severely impacting food production nationwide.

Recent Developments and Atrocities

The Darfur region has been the epicenter of some of the most intense fighting and numerous reports of atrocities. In late October, RSF troops claimed to have captured El Fasher. The UN has received reports of an attack on a hospital in El Fasher on October 28th, resulting in the deaths of over 460 patients and other individuals. While the UN states that over 36,000 people have fled El Fasher, thousands, including the wounded and elderly, are reportedly still trapped inside, with the situation remaining unclear. An NGO representative shared that in Kadugli, children are resorting to eating insects and wild plants for survival.

Future Outlook and International Mediation

May predicts that Sudan will become virtually divided, with the SAF controlling the north, east, and center, while the RSF holds sway in much of Darfur and parts of the south. Despite international mediation efforts, including those by the United States, aimed at achieving a ceasefire, no progress has been made. There are concerns that the conflict will continue, as both sides are reportedly receiving external support and possess comparable military strength, making it unlikely for either party to yield.

"Forgotten Conflict" and Call for Action

Sudan's conflict is described as a "forgotten conflict," with global attention largely focused on Ukraine and the Gaza crisis. However, a Sudanese worker expresses the sentiment of the people: "enough is enough," and hopes that international pressure will be applied to all parties to cease hostilities.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The situation in Sudan is a dire humanitarian crisis characterized by widespread famine and severe food insecurity, directly stemming from the ongoing conflict between the SAF and RSF. The fighting has disrupted food production, led to atrocities, and trapped civilians, exacerbating the suffering. Despite international efforts, a resolution remains elusive, and the conflict risks prolonged division and continued humanitarian catastrophe, overshadowed by other global events. The urgent need for humanitarian aid and a cessation of hostilities is paramount.