Assessments in December found acute malnutrition levels among children of 52.9 percent in Um Baru. almost double the famine threshold – and about 34 percent in Kernoi.
The IPC stressed that the alert does not constitute a formal classification of famine, but warned that conditions are deteriorating rapidly and urgent action is needed.
“These alarming rates suggest a higher risk of excess mortality,“the experts said, adding that many other conflict-affected or inaccessible areas may be facing similar catastrophic conditions.
Projection of acute food insecurity in Sudan from February to May 2026.
▶ See ourUN News Explanation on the evidence-based CPI index. here.
Um Barú and Kernoi
Um Baru and Kernoi are located in remote areas of northwest northern Darfur, close to key movement corridors leading towards the border with Chad.
Both areas have absorbed large numbers of civilians fleeing fighting in and around El Fasher, where the conflict has destroyed markets, disrupted livelihoods and drastically restricted humanitarian access.
Sudan’s war, which broke out in April 2023 between the formerly allied Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has devastated food systems across the country, causing mass displacement, collapse of markets and repeated disruptions to health, water and nutrition services.
Nationwide, nearly 4.2 million cases of acute malnutrition are expected in 2026, including more than 800,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition, representing a sharp increase from 2025 levels, according to CPI projections.
What does the alert mean?
The CPI alert is intended to draw urgent attention to worsening conditions and does not introduce any new formal classification.
It is based on previous CPI analyzes that confirmed famine (IPC Phase 5) in El FasherNorthern Darfur in 2024, and Kadugli, South Kordofanin September 2025, and projected risk of famine in at least 20 other areas through greater Darfur and greater Kordofan.
The new findings indicate that famine-like conditions are likely spreading beyond previously assessed locations, driven by continued fighting, displacement and the collapse of food, health and water systems, IPC analysts said.
Greater Kordofan in danger
The IPC also warned of rapidly deteriorating conditions across Greater Kordofan, where famine was already confirmed in Kadugli and severe conditions were projected in Dilling and the western Nuba Mountains.
New fighting since the end of October has displaced more than 88,000 people in the regionbringing the total displacement to more than one million. Markets there are among the least functional in Sudan, with food prices well above national averages.
With no immediate end to the fighting and large-scale humanitarian access, IPC experts said preventable deaths are likely to increase.