Nierteti — The General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur has raised the alarm over an impending famine. It warned that communities are on the verge of collapse. A critical lack of rainfall has contributed to the crisis. Rapidly rising food prices have also played a role. Many families are unable to afford basic necessities. In local markets, a single sack of millet can cost as much as 20,000 Sudanese dinars. This amount is far beyond the reach of many struggling residents.
Adam Rijal, a representative of the coordination, explained that the current agricultural season has been devastating. Poor rainfall and increasing commodity costs are to blame. He emphasized that unless humanitarian organizations act quickly, the area could face full-blown famine. Prices in markets across Central Darfur's Nierteti locality have soared. For instance, sugar now costs around 3,000 dinars. Salt and a bar of soap each sell for 2,000. A bottle of cooking oil is priced at 5,000 dinars.
Cholera spreads in El Obeid
In a separate but equally dire development, El Obeid in North Kordofan is experiencing a growing cholera outbreak. Plan International has warned that the situation is rapidly turning into a disaster. The city is home to over 105,000 displaced people, who are now living in camps and shelters. The lack of clean drinking water has only worsened, with attacks and ongoing sieges reported to have disrupted 70 percent of the city's water supply.
To respond to the crisis, the local government has initiated an aid package. It targets 7,000 displaced families in shelters across El Obeid. The program includes the distribution of 4,000 food baskets. It also includes 3,000 blankets to provide immediate relief. Officials have called on national organizations to step up their contributions. They also want international partners, UN agencies, and donors to help. The goal is to help displaced families endure the crisis. They want to avoid further suffering.