CONFLICT, MASSIVE DISPLACEMENT AND ECONOMIC DECLINE DRIVE OVER 20 MILLION PEOPLE INTO HIGH LEVELS OF ACUTE FOOD INSECURITY IN THE LEAN SEASON (JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023)

The ongoing conflict in Sudan that erupted on 15 April 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is deepening the humanitarian crisis and worsening the food security situations of the people in several urban and rural areas. The escalation of violence in Khartoum, Greater Darfur, and Greater Kordofan has triggered the large-scale displacement of 2.6 million people across all states of Sudan - forcing 757,230 people to flee to neighbouring countries. The conflict has also resulted in critical damage and destruction to infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, schools, power and water sources and telecommunications. Wide looting of markets, banks, industries and public buildings led to an increased shortage of essential services, food and non-food items across the country, further aggravating the fragile food insecurity and malnutrition. The price of food and essential commodities has soared, limiting access to the market for the population. According to reports from numerous states, including those unaffected by the ongoing fighting, the conflict between SAF and RSF in Sudan is endangering the production of staple crops this year.