The dire hunger crises unfolding in South Sudan have reached a devastating level, with projections indicating that the number of people facing starvation and death is set to nearly double between April and July 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
According to a report, tight domestic food supplies and sharp currency depreciation are driving food prices to unprecedented heights in South Sudan. This situation is further compounded by likely floods and recurring waves of subnational conflict. The anticipated rise in returnees and refugees from Sudan is expected to exacerbate acute food insecurity among both new arrivals and host communities.
Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, the Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen are also highlighted as hotspots of “very high concern”. These countries are home to a large number of people facing critical acute food insecurity, with worsening drivers expected to escalate life-threatening conditions in the coming months.
Since October 2023, the Central African Republic, Lebanon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Zambia have joined Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia, and Zimbabwe on the list of hunger hotspots. Acute food insecurity is anticipated to worsen further in these regions in the coming months.
While conflict remains a significant driver of food insecurity, the report emphasizes that climate shocks, including the lingering effects of El Niño, also play a substantial role. Devastating drought in southern Africa and extensive floods in East Africa underscore the widespread impact of these weather phenomena.
Looking ahead, the looming threat of La Niña between August and February 2025 is expected to significantly influence rainfall patterns, potentially leading to climate shifts with major implications for several countries, including flooding in South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Chad, Mali, and Nigeria, as well as Sudan.
In light of these challenges, immediate humanitarian action at scale is imperative to prevent further starvation and loss of life.