Brief

IPC warns El Niño drought and war raise famine risk in Sudan’s Darfur and Kordofan

The IPC says half of Sudan faces drought, while conflict‑driven displacement worsens food shortages.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:42:25 GMT

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned on Monday that an El Niño‑induced drought affecting roughly half of Sudan is compounding the impacts of three‑year‑long war, raising the risk of famine across Darfur and Kordofan, according to Al Jazeera.

What happened

The IPC report notes that severe water shortages and poor vegetation now affect nearly two‑thirds of cropland in North Darfur and about half in South Darfur, West Kordofan and South Kordofan. In May, the IPC assessment found that 19.5 million people – over 40 % of Sudan’s population – faced high levels of acute food insecurity, with 135 000 in Phase 5, the most severe classification.

What the reports add

The IPC highlighted that acute malnutrition rates have risen in Nyala, where children admitted for severe acute malnutrition doubled from roughly 5 % to 11 % between January and August. Two displacement camps in South Darfur recorded global acute malnutrition above famine thresholds, and delayed rains in North Darfur have left food stocks “critically low.” Western Kordofan is experiencing its worst drought since 2004.

What was said

“An El Niño‑induced drought, affecting roughly half of the country, is compounding the impacts of conflict and displacement, reducing food availability, driving up prices and affecting livelihoods,” the IPC said in its statement.

How it came about

The conflict erupted in April 2023 when fighting between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces spread nationwide, killing at least 150 000 people, according to ACLED. The ongoing war has limited healthcare, clean water and aid delivery, creating conditions that the IPC says will likely intensify food insecurity, acute malnutrition and excess mortality.