Kordofan Observatory Warns of Humanitarian Catastrophe and Imminent Famine in the Region

The Kordofan Observatory has warned of signs of famine in the region, as residents increasingly resort to eating “ambaz,” a by-product of peanut processing normally used as animal feed. Increased demand for the product has led to shortages and rising prices.

In a statement, the Observatory revealed that it had received multiple testimonies from residents of the localities of Al-Nuhud, Wad Banda, Al-Khawai, and Al-Muglad in West and South Kordofan. The testimonies confirmed that a number of families in these areas have begun relying on “ambaz” as food due to deteriorating living conditions, the interruption of humanitarian assistance, declining sources of income, and soaring food prices beyond families’ ability to afford since the outbreak of the war.

The statement noted that “the testimonies received indicate that deteriorating security conditions have hindered farmers’ efforts to cultivate their land. Agricultural conditions have also worsened due to the delayed rainfall this year, raising fears of a humanitarian catastrophe and imminent famine amid the continued fighting.”

The Observatory explained that the food crisis in Kordofan has worsened following the latest fighting around the city of El Obeid and signs that the region is becoming a major conflict hotspot. This has resulted in the closure of trade routes and restricted the delivery of goods and humanitarian assistance to several localities.