Sudanese local armed group says 109 people died of malnutrition in South Kordofan State

On August 22 local time, the Hilu faction of the "Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North" (SPLM-N), a local armed group in southern Sudan, released a statement saying that 109 people have died of malnutrition in South Kordofan State under its control.

The armed group announced a few days ago that due to the disruption of local agricultural production and the conduct of humanitarian aid operations by the armed conflict in Sudan, famine has occurred in South Kordofan State and Blue Nile State. It is understood that about 3 million people live in these two regions. Currently, more than 20% of families are facing severe food shortages, and more than 30% of children are malnourished.

On April 15, 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces of Sudan erupted in an armed conflict in the capital Khartoum. The fighting then spread to other regions and has continued to this day. The Hilu faction of the "Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North" was originally one of the main anti-government organizations in Sudan, and its sphere of influence is mainly in southern Sudan. After the conflict broke out, this armed group occupied parts of South Kordofan State and Blue Nile State in southern Sudan.

This ongoing armed conflict has brought huge destruction to Sudan. It has not only affected local agricultural production but also hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid materials, plunging the local people into a serious food crisis and malnutrition dilemma. The international community has been calling on all parties to the conflict to cease fire to ensure the smooth progress of humanitarian rescue operations and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.