Al-Hilu’s Movement Declares Famine in Its Controlled Areas

Sudan Events – Reports

The Civil Authority of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdulaziz Al-Hilu, declared a famine in the areas it controls in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, which are home to about three million people. Arnu Ngutulu Lodi, First Secretary of the Civil Authority, said in a statement, “The wars of June 6, 2011, and April 15, 2023, have worsened the crisis in the Nuba Mountains and the new Fung, leading to the current famine.” He added, “More than 20% of families in these regions suffer from severe food shortages, and more than 30% of children suffer from malnutrition.” He pointed out that the UN’s criteria for declaring famine include 20% of households facing severe food shortages, malnutrition rates among children exceeding 30%, and a mortality rate of more than two deaths per day per 10,000 people. Lodi attributed the famine to the failure of the last agricultural season, lack of seeds, fuel, and spare parts due to road closures caused by the ongoing conflict, and the spread of locusts due to low rainfall.