UN sounds alarm on Sudan famine, condemns deadly El Fasher attacks
April 2, 2025 (UNITED NATIONS) – The United Nations expressed grave alarm on Tuesday over intensified fighting in and around El Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur and confirmed that famine conditions were now present in several hotspots across the war-torn country.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said recent attacks near El Fasher, including shelling that struck the Abu Shouk displacement camp on Monday, had resulted in civilian casualties.
“The United Nations is gravely alarmed by reports of intensified hostilities,” Dujarric told reporters at a briefing. He confirmed that shelling hit the Abu Shouk camp, north of El Fasher, killing and injuring civilians.
Critically, the UN reported that famine is now occurring in at least five locations, affecting approximately 640,000 people. These include the Abu Shouk, Zamzam, and Al Salam displacement camps in North Darfur, as well as areas in the Western Nuba Mountains.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued an urgent call for action to prevent the wider spread of famine, particularly with the lean and rainy season just two months away, starting in June. An estimated 25 million people across Sudan are currently acutely food insecure.
“It is critical that aid organizations have the safe and unimpeded access to people in need, wherever they are,” Dujarric stated, relaying OCHA’s message.
The ongoing conflict has crippled Sudan’s agricultural sector, which supports two-thirds of the population. Millions have been displaced, infrastructure destroyed, and access to seeds, tools, and markets severely limited, driving up food prices.
To combat this, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) urgently requires over $82 million to supply seeds and other vital support to 7.5 million farmers and their families ahead of the June planting season.
“With the rainy season starting soon, and flooding along key routes likely to compound access challenges, time is of the essence,” Dujarric warned. “Timely support to Sudan’s farmers is essential… to avert famine… and restore livelihoods.”
The UN reiterated its demand that all parties to the conflict uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and 1 civilian infrastructure.