The Daily Brief

The current famine crisis in Sudan's North Darfur can be traced back to decades of conflict, political instability, and economic mismanagement. The civil war that reignited in 2021 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has exacerbated existing tensions, leading to widespread violence and displacement. Historically, Sudan has faced multiple humanitarian crises, notably the Darfur conflict that began in 2003, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and the displacement of millions. Similar patterns of famine and malnutrition have been observed in the past, such as during the 2011 famine in Somalia, which was also driven by conflict and poor governance. The cyclical nature of these crises highlights the need for sustained international attention and intervention to address the root causes of instability in the region. The escalating hunger and malnutrition crisis in Sudan has significant implications not only for the country but also for the broader Horn of Africa region. As millions face food insecurity, the potential for increased regional instability rises, with the risk of mass migration and refugee flows into neighbouring countries such as Chad and South Sudan. This could strain resources and exacerbate existing tensions in those nations. Furthermore, the crisis poses challenges for global food security, as Sudan is a key agricultural producer in the region. The international community must consider the interconnectedness of these issues, as failure to address the humanitarian needs in Sudan could lead to wider repercussions, including increased humanitarian costs and geopolitical instability.