Five children die of starvation in Central Darfur, spokesman

August 7, 2024 (ZALINGEI) – Five children have died of starvation in Central Darfur, a spokesperson for displaced people said on Wednesday, underscoring the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s conflict-ridden region.

The deaths were reported in Mukjar camps, where many have sought refuge from the fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group that erupted in April.

Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur, said the deaths highlighted the dire conditions faced by those displaced by the conflict.

“The Coordination received reports of the death of five children from starvation yesterday, Tuesday, in the Mukjar camps in Central Darfur,” Rijal told Sudan Tribune.

Central Darfur has seen heavy fighting, with the RSF controlling most of the region while the Sudan Liberation Movement holds some areas. The conflict has displaced millions and disrupted aid delivery, leaving many without access to food and medical care.

In a press statement, Rijal lamented the lack of sufficient aid and the impact of the war on agricultural production, leading to widespread food shortages.

“Acute malnutrition remains a critical health challenge that requires more efforts from the United Nations and international organizations to stop the ongoing war…and to build effective strategies to reduce the occurrence of famine,” he said.