December 24, 2024 (PORT SUDAN)—According to a new report by the Famine Review Committee (FRC), famine is spreading in Sudan. At least five areas are currently experiencing catastrophic conditions, and projections indicate five more will face famine by May 2025. Twenty months of brutal conflict have plunged Sudan into a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by widespread starvation and a surge in acute malnutrition. The FRC estimates that half of Sudan's population, a staggering 24.6 million people, are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. 'This marks an unprecedented deepening and widening of the food and nutrition crisis,' the report stated, citing mass displacement, economic collapse, and the breakdown of essential services as key drivers. Famine, classified as IPC Phase 5, was first detected in August in Zamzam camp, North Darfur. It has since expanded to other areas of North Darfur and the Western Nuba Mountains. The FRC projects famine will engulf further areas in North Darfur, including Um Kadadah, Melit, and El Fasher, by May 2025. An additional 17 areas are at risk of famine. The report notes a slight improvement in food insecurity compared to the lean season (June-September 2024), attributed to above-average rainfall that supported agricultural activities in …

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