More than 1,000 residents of Ain Siro in Kutum locality, North Darfur, gather daily around a single exhausted well, highlighting the severity of the local water crisis.

The Ain Siro Emergency Room’s September 7, 2026 report warned that prolonged drought, damaged crops and a lack of water and animal fodder pose serious risks to both people and livestock.

The emergency report issued an urgent appeal for clean drinking water, food, animal fodder, health and veterinary convoys, and rapid repair of damaged wells and water tanks.

Restoring damaged water infrastructure, according to the Emergency Room, could ease pressure on the sole functioning water source in the area.

FAO estimates that 19.5 million Sudanese face high acute food insecurity, with 14 districts in Darfur and Kordofan at risk of famine under a worst‑case scenario.

UN forecasts suggest rainfall could fall by 30‑40 percent, exacerbating drought conditions and further threatening water availability.

FAO’s 2025 cereal production fell to about 5.2 million tonnes, 22 percent below the previous year and 19 percent below the five‑year average, reflecting the combined impact of war, disrupted agriculture and climate shocks.

The United States maintains that Sudanese government forces used chemical weapons in 2024, prompting additional sanctions in July 2026, though Sudan denies the allegations.

At the OPCW, Sudan’s national technical committee reported no evidence supporting the U.S. claims, while Washington called for an independent international verification.

Senator Chris Van Hollen has urged the OPCW to lead an independent investigation into the alleged chemical‑weapon use and to hold accountable any responsible parties.