Sudan Refugees Face Hunger and Disease in South Sudan

Sudan is facing a dual crisis as environmental degradation escalates due to rampant charcoal production and food security deteriorates amid ongoing conflict. Environmentalists warn that the destruction of ancient forests, particularly acacia trees essential for gum arabic production, threatens the livelihoods of many communities as charcoal demand surges. Concurrently, a UN official highlighted that half of Sudan's population is affected by conflict, leading to urgent food security needs and a looming famine threat, especially in Darfur. Refugees fleeing this violence, now numbering nearly 800,000 in South Sudan, are confronting severe hunger, disease, and reduced food rations due to funding shortfalls for humanitarian aid. The World Food Programme reports that refugees are receiving only half of the necessary food rations, exacerbating malnutrition among vulnerable populations, particularly children. With no end in sight for the conflict, the humanitarian situation remains dire both in Sudan and among its refugees in South Sudan.