The United Nations has issued a stark warning about rapidly worsening famine conditions in Sudan, describing parts of the country as a “hellscape” due to nearly two years of relentless conflict.
Edem Wosornu, director of operations and advocacy at the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told the Security Council that over 24.6 million people are facing acute hunger. The situation is particularly dire in and around the Zamzam displacement camp, where famine conditions have been confirmed and violence has intensified.
“Nearly two years of relentless conflict in Sudan have inflicted immense suffering and turned parts of the country into a hellscape,” Wosornu stated.
Satellite imagery confirms the use of heavy weaponry and the destruction of market facilities within the camp. Civilians and aid workers are trapped in North Darfur, with reports of killings, including two aid workers.
The escalating violence has severely hampered humanitarian operations. Doctors Without Borders, a key provider of health and nutrition services in Zamzam, has been forced to halt its operations. The World Food Programme has also suspended food assistance in the camp.
Wosornu called for immediate international action to protect civilians, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and increase funding. “The people of Sudan deserve better, from their leaders and from the international community,” she urged.
The conflict between the General Abdel Fattah al Buhan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced 14 million people, according to UN and local authorities. Some research suggests the death toll could be significantly higher, reaching approximately 130,000.