Famine Grips Darfur: Um Baru and Kernoi Communities Struggle to Survive

The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Um Baru and Kernoi, two communities in North Darfur, is a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of neglecting complex geopolitical issues. Decades of conflict have ravaged the region, leaving countless lives in ruin.

Famine is once again tightening its grip on these regions, a phenomenon that has been recurring throughout Sudan's tumultuous history. In the 1970s, famine ravaged the country due to government-backed policies that led to widespread agricultural failures and economic collapse. More recently, the 2019 conflict in Darfur, which saw the rise of militant groups such as the Reiner Group and the Abdulatif Al-Jama'ati Movement, further exacerbated food insecurity and created a perfect storm of hunger.

The current crisis reflects a broader trend of increasing militancy and extremism in Africa, which has parallels with other regions such as the Middle East and North Africa. The influx of refugees from Sudan into Chad and other neighboring countries highlights the global nature of migration crises. Furthermore, the escalating conflict in Sudan also underscores a broader trend of increasing poverty and inequality.

Sustainable agricultural practices and disaster risk reduction measures are essential for addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality in Sudan.