Famine looms over additional regions in conflict-ridden Sudan’s western Darfur area, as per a global hunger monitoring organization. Simultaneously, an assault by paramilitary forces on a military hospital in the country’s south resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals, including the hospital’s director and three medical staff members. The war in Sudan, which began in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the military and the Rapid Support Forces, has led to what the United Nations describes as the most severe humanitarian crisis globally.
A recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) revealed that acute malnutrition has escalated to famine levels in two more towns in Darfur. However, the classification did not officially confirm a complete famine in those locations. Last year, the group reported that residents of El Fasher, a major city in Darfur, were experiencing famine following an 18-month siege by paramilitary forces.
In a tragic incident on Thursday in Kouik, South Kordofan province, an attack resulted in 22 fatalities, including the hospital director, and left eight individuals injured. The Sudan Doctors’ Network highlighted that these assaults have rendered several hospitals non-operational in South Kordofan and are part of a series of attacks in the region.
The conflict in Sudan has led to over 40,000 deaths, with many aid agencies believing the actual figure could be significantly higher. More than 14 million people have been displaced from their homes. The IPC report flagged Umm Baru and Kernoi in North Darfur province as areas where malnutrition has reached famine levels, emphasizing the high risk of mortality and expressing concerns about similar conditions in nearby regions.
The fall of El Fasher in October 2025 triggered an influx of displaced individuals to neighboring towns, intensifying food insecurity levels. The IPC has confirmed famine in seven areas since the start of Sudan’s civil war and warned of a potential increase in extreme hunger in Kordofan due to disrupted food production and supply lines.
The ongoing conflict, with recent military advancements in Kordofan, has seen fighting spread across various areas. Efforts are underway to secure humanitarian aid for Sudan, with the establishment of a new Sudan Humanitarian Fund supported by contributions totaling $700 million from the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The initiative aims to address the critical humanitarian situation in Sudan, which has been exacerbated by the escalating conflict.
The Trump administration has pledged $200 million from a designated fund to support this humanitarian effort, while the UAE has committed $500 million. Other nations, including Saudi Arabia, have also indicated their intention to contribute to the fund.