Darfur displaced people camps face catastrophic famine, local group warns

7 August 2024 (El Fasher) – The humanitarian situation in displaced persons and refugee camps in Darfur has reached catastrophic proportions, with famine looming as families struggle to find a meal every day, according to the General Coordination Office for Displaced Persons and Refugee Camps.

The region, already suffering from decades of conflict, now faces famine due to the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.

The conflict, which began in April 2023, has disrupted livelihoods, halted aid deliveries and caused widespread destruction. Food prices have soared and agricultural seasons have failed, making it difficult for many families to survive.

Adam Regal, a spokesman for the coordination group, called the situation “extremely bad and tragic” and said most families could not even afford one meal a day. “The humanitarian situation right now … is one of famine,” he said.

Heavy rains and flooding have further exacerbated human suffering, especially for those living in makeshift shelters. The lack of basic necessities such as tents and mosquito nets has led to the spread of diseases, especially among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

The Coordination Group urgently appealed to the international community for immediate action. They called for the opening of all border crossings and entry points into Darfur to allow for the delivery of food and medicine, including through airdrops and lifeline crossings.

“We call on the UN Security Council, the UN, the US, the UK, the EU, the three countries and Sudan’s neighbours to put pressure on both sides of the conflict to open all crossing points and corridors to facilitate the passage of humanitarian aid,” Regal said.

The organization also called on humanitarian organizations to provide basic assistance to victims of gender-based violence, such as food, medicine, clean water, shelter materials and psychological support.

The situation in the refugee camps in Darfur is a stark reminder of the human toll of conflict. The international community must act swiftly to prevent an unimaginable humanitarian disaster.