Sudan: Famine spreads and State withdraws from Food Security Barometer

Famine is rapidly spreading across Sudan, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a widely used tool by the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to assess levels of malnutrition. However, the reliability of future data is now in question, as Sudan has withdrawn from this critical system.

A glance at the IPC map of Sudan reveals the severity of the crisis: nearly the entire country is marked in shades of orange, red, and scarlet, denoting extreme levels of hunger and malnutrition. As the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) persists, the IPC estimates that 24.6 million people—almost half the population—will face “high levels of acute food insecurity” between December and May.

A recent IPC report, released on December 24, highlights alarming developments: famine has reached two displacement camps in western Sudan and spread to new areas in the south. The number of people experiencing catastrophic hunger has risen to 638.000, with an additional 8.1 million teetering on the brink of famine.

The situation could worsen, warns the Famine Review Committee, but projections may now lack accuracy. Hours before the report’s release, Sudan officially withdrew from the IPC system, raising concerns among humanitarian organizations.

“The withdrawal of the IPC system will not alter the reality of hunger on the ground”, said a humanitarian source speaking to Reuters, “but it robs the international community of a critical tool for addressing the hunger crisis. Without independent and reliable data, we are navigating blind through this escalating storm of food insecurity”.

This withdrawal leaves aid agencies and international donors without a clear assessment framework, potentially complicating efforts to address Sudan’s growing famine.