Famine Continues in Al Fasher, Sudan: East Africa Key Message Update (September 2024)
The recent increase in rainfall in East Africa has brought some relief in terms of food and income for many communities. However, the situation remains dire in Sudan, particularly in the Al Fasher locality of North Darfur. The ongoing conflict, devastating floods, and high food prices have created a humanitarian crisis, with Famine (IPC Phase 5) persisting in Zamzam camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and possibly in Abu Shouk and Al Salam IDP camps as well.
The blockade and fighting in Al Fasher have severely limited the delivery of supplies, exacerbating the already critical situation. Acute malnutrition rates remain alarmingly high in Zamzam camp, prompting urgent action to prevent further deterioration. The movement of civilians towards Zamzam from other camps indicates the severity of the situation and the need for better access to services and protection.
In neighboring Ethiopia, the ongoing meher harvest is improving food security conditions in many parts of the country. However, Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are expected to persist in pastoral areas of Afar due to low livestock holdings. Similarly, in Somalia, below-average harvests are anticipated due to La Niña-induced rainfall deficits, leading to Stressed (IPC Phase 2) and Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes in pastoral and agropastoral areas.
In South Sudan, Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are widespread, exacerbated by floods, high food prices, and conflict. Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) outcomes are likely in hard-to-reach areas and among displaced populations. In Uganda, food security is improving in some regions following the harvest, but Crisis (IPC Phase 3) persists in areas with less favorable harvests and limited income sources.
The situation in Burundi is also concerning, with Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes persisting in certain regions due to depleted food stocks and limited income sources. Overall, the region continues to face significant challenges in terms of food security, requiring immediate and sustained humanitarian assistance to save lives and prevent further deterioration.