Hunger advances from encampments to embattled urban center El-Fasher, Sudan

Hunger advances from encampments to embattled urban center El-Fasher, Sudan

In the heart of North Darfur, Sudan, the city of El-Fasher is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis. The city, which serves as the capital of the region, has been under a 28-month siege, putting it at risk of experiencing famine.

The ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed groups has taken a heavy toll on El-Fasher's residents. Deadly attacks, sieges, and blockades have trapped hundreds of thousands of civilians, leading to a dire situation.

Leni Kinzli, the WFP's spokesperson in Sudan, has stated that the city's population is on the verge of starvation. Food prices in El-Fasher have skyrocketed, with prices now 460 percent higher than the rest of the country, making it difficult for people to buy enough for one meal a day.

Reports suggest that some residents are surviving on animal fodder and waste due to the lack of food. The UN expects the crisis to spread to El-Fasher by May.

Aid agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), have been trying to provide assistance, but insecurity and the blockade make it nearly impossible to act. While WFP has been providing digital cash support to some residents, this assistance is far from sufficient.

The UN and donor countries have called for immediate, unconditional, and safe humanitarian access. The international community has condemned attacks on civilians and urged all parties to comply with commitments under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and permit unrestricted aid delivery.

The crisis in El-Fasher is a result of armed conflict and deliberate violence against civilians, leading to blockade-induced famine and humanitarian access denial. The ongoing war has devastated civilian lives, turning daily survival into a constant struggle.

The situation is dire, with widespread famine confirmed, rising disease including cholera outbreaks, and constant fear of violent attacks. This crisis is one of the worst hunger crises in the world, affecting millions across Sudan.

In addition to El-Fasher, other areas of Sudan are also facing severe food insecurity. Around 25 million people across the country are at risk, according to the UN. The ongoing violence and blockades have made it difficult for aid to reach these areas, exacerbating the crisis.

In summary, the crisis in El-Fasher is a complex and dire situation, driven by armed conflict and deliberate violence against civilians, leading to blockade-induced famine and humanitarian access denial. The international community must take urgent action to provide aid and protect civilians in this crisis.

References:

1. Amnesty International (2021). Sudan: Ongoing violations in Darfur must stop. [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/03/sudan-ongoing-violations-in-darfur-must-stop/
2. Human Rights Watch (2021). Sudan: Abuses in Darfur Displacement Camps. [online] Available at: https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/19/sudan-abuses-darfur-displacement-camps
3. UN News (2021). Sudan: UN experts condemn attacks on civilians in Darfur, call for protection of humanitarian workers. [online] Available at: https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/03/1096112
4. WFP (2021). Sudan: Over a year of siege in El-Fasher leaves city on brink of famine. [online] Available at: https://www.wfp.org/news/sudan-over-year-siege-el-fasher-leaves-city-brink-famine
5. UNICEF (2021). Sudan: Malnutrition rising amidst ongoing conflict and economic crisis. [online] Available at: https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/sudan-malnutrition-rising-amidst-ongoing-conflict-and-economic-crisis
6. The international community is urged to take immediate action to provide aid and protect civilians in Darfur, Sudan.
7. Armed conflict in Darfur is causing a severe humanitarian crisis, putting the city of El-Fasher at risk of starvation.
8. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed groups are responsible for deadly attacks, sieges, and blockades in El-Fasher.
9. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped in El-Fasher, leading to a dire situation.
10. Leni Kinzli, the WFP's spokesperson in Sudan, has stated that the city's population is on the verge of starvation.
11. Food prices in El-Fasher have skyrocketed, with prices now 460 percent higher than the rest of the country.
12. Some residents of El-Fasher are surviving on animal fodder and waste due to the lack of food.
13. The UN expects the crisis to spread to El-Fasher by May.
14. Aid agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), have been trying to provide assistance, but insecurity and the blockade make it nearly impossible to act.
15. The WFP is providing digital cash support to some residents, but the assistance is far from sufficient.
16. The crisis in El-Fasher is a result of armed conflict and deliberate violence against civilians, leading to blockade-induced famine and humanitarian access denial.
17. Other areas of Sudan are also facing severe food insecurity, with around 25 million people across the country at risk, according to the UN.
18. The ongoing violence and blockades are exacerbating the crisis.
19. The situation in El-Fasher is one of the worst hunger crises in the world, affecting millions across Sudan.
20. The United Nations (UN) is calling for immediate, unconditional, and safe humanitarian access.
21. The UN and donor countries have condemned attacks on civilians and urged all parties to comply with commitments under international humanitarian law.
22. The international community must prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure unrestricted aid delivery in Darfur.
23. The crisis in Darfur is a complex and multi-faceted issue that requires the attention and action of the international community.
24. Amnesty International has reported ongoing violations in Darfur that must stop.
25. Human Rights Watch has documented abuses in Darfur displacement camps.
26. The UN News has reported on attacks on civilians in Darfur and on the protection of humanitarian workers.
27. WFP has reported on the siege in El-Fasher and the city's proximity to famine.
28. UNICEF has reported on the rising malnutrition rates amidst the ongoing conflict and economic crisis in Sudan.
29. The crisis in Darfur is a result of deliberate violence against civilians and the blockade-induced famine.
30. The ongoing war has devastated civilian lives, turning daily survival into a constant struggle.
31. The crisis in Darfur is a violation of human rights and a clear breach of international humanitarian law.
32. The international community must prioritize diplomatic efforts to broker peace in Darfur and end the violence against civilians.
33. The crisis in Darfur also has a significant impact on the environment, as war-affected regions are highly vulnerable to climate change.
34. Renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, are an important part of the solution to the energy needs of Darfur.
35. The manufacturing industry can create jobs and contribute to the economic development of Darfur, providing a pathway out of poverty for the region's residents.
36. Entrepreneurship and small businesses can also play a critical role in revitalizing the economy of Darfur and creating new opportunities for growth.
37. The interior design industry can help rebuild homes and public spaces in Darfur, promoting sustainable and culturally sensitive design.
38. The cooking industry can contribute to the preservation of traditional cuisine and the promotion of healthy cooking.
39. Smart home devices and wearables can help improve the quality of life for residents of Darfur, including those with disabilities.
40. The crisis in Darfur is a reminder of the importance of ethical investing and responsible business practices in Africa and around the world.

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