Thousands of civilians trapped in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in Sudan, are at serious risk of starvation, according to a recent warning by the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP).
The city has been surrounded for months, with no land access for food deliveries.
Since May 2024, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been trying to seize El-Fasher. It is the last main city in North Darfur still controlled by Sudan’s government.
Around 300,000 people remain stuck in the city, enduring worsening conditions.
Food prices in El-Fasher have surged by over 460% compared to the rest of the country.
Soup kitchens that once helped feed many have now shut down due to lack of supplies.
Aid organizations say they have not been able to enter the area for over a year.
In April, an RSF attack on Zamzam displacement camp, just outside the city, killed hundreds and forced thousands more to flee into El-Fasher.
That attack added to the crisis, swelling the city’s population and draining its resources.
Although the UN declared famine in nearby camps last year, officials say the lack of updated data has delayed confirming famine inside El-Fasher.
However, many believe the situation there is already beyond critical.
Since the conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, tens of thousands have died, more than 12 million people have been displaced, and 26 million are now at risk of hunger.
While conditions in Khartoum have recently become calmer, much of the country continues to suffer from hunger, disease, and conflict—especially children.