What's happened
Recent assessments indicate that acute malnutrition levels in North Darfur's Um Baru and Kernoi have exceeded famine thresholds, with nearly double the acceptable malnutrition rate in some areas. The IPC warns conditions are rapidly worsening due to ongoing conflict, displacement, and systemic collapse, urging urgent humanitarian action. Today’s date is Fri, 06 Feb 2026.
What's behind the headline?
Critical Analysis
The recent IPC alert underscores a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly in North Darfur, where conflict has directly contributed to food system collapse. The fact that malnutrition rates in Um Baru and Kernoi nearly double the famine threshold indicates an imminent risk of widespread mortality if urgent aid does not reach these areas.
This escalation reveals how conflict-driven displacement and market collapse are creating a feedback loop of starvation and health crises. The alert's emphasis on the rapid deterioration of conditions suggests that the situation will likely worsen unless a ceasefire and humanitarian access are secured.
The timing of this alert, amid ongoing fighting and displacement, indicates that the crisis is not only worsening but also becoming more geographically widespread. The international community's response will be critical in preventing a full-scale famine in multiple regions. The focus on remote border areas highlights the challenge of reaching vulnerable populations, which will likely exacerbate the crisis if not addressed swiftly.
In essence, the situation in Sudan exemplifies how conflict can devastate social infrastructure, leading to a humanitarian emergency that threatens to spiral out of control without immediate intervention. The next steps should prioritize ceasefire negotiations and increased humanitarian access to prevent further loss of life.
What the papers say
The articles from All Africa, Al Jazeera, and Reuters collectively highlight the severity of the crisis, with each emphasizing the surpassing of famine thresholds in North Darfur's Um Baru and Kernoi. All sources agree that the situation is deteriorating rapidly due to ongoing conflict, displacement, and systemic collapse.
All Africa notes that the IPC alert does not classify the situation as famine but warns of rapidly worsening conditions and increased mortality risk. Al Jazeera emphasizes the alarming malnutrition rates, nearly double the famine threshold, and the proximity to Chad, which complicates aid efforts. Reuters highlights the rise in malnutrition cases, the impact of conflict on food and health systems, and the limited response capacity due to funding cuts.
While all sources concur on the severity, All Africa and Reuters focus more on the systemic collapse and the broader implications for health and mortality, whereas Al Jazeera provides detailed figures on malnutrition rates and the regional context. The combined reporting underscores a critical, worsening humanitarian emergency that demands urgent international attention.
How we got here
Since April 2023, Sudan's civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has devastated food systems, caused mass displacement, and disrupted health and water services. The fall of El Fasher in October 2025 marked a turning point, leading to increased hunger and malnutrition in remote border areas like Um Baru and Kernoi, which have absorbed displaced populations. The conflict has also led to famine conditions in other parts of Darfur and Kordofan, with assessments showing a sharp rise in acute malnutrition cases across the country.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Bad Is Child Malnutrition in Sudan Right Now?
Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with child malnutrition reaching alarming levels in regions like North Darfur and Kordofan. Ongoing conflict, displacement, and systemic collapse have pushed many children into life-threatening hunger. Curious about the current situation, causes, and what can be done? Read on to find out more about this urgent crisis and how it affects the most vulnerable populations.
More on these topics
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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North Darfur State (Arabic: ولاية شمال دارفور Wilāyat Šamāl Dārfūr; Shamal Darfor) is one of the wilayat or states of Sudan. It is one of the five states composing the Darfur region. It has an area of 296,420 km2 and an estimated popu