Renewed Shelling at Zamzam Camp Amid Humanitarian Crisis
The Zamzam camp for displaced people in North Darfur, which shelters over half a million individuals, has faced renewed shelling, raising serious humanitarian concerns. Reports from medics and activists indicate that the camp was bombarded on Wednesday, leading to injuries and further destabilizing an already dire situation. The governor of North Darfur, Arko Minni Minawi, accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of killing more than 20 civilians during the recent attacks in western Sudan.
The ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army has intensified in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, where clashes have been reported since May 10. The RSF's recent assaults on the Zamzam camp, which began on Sunday and Monday, have forced over 2,000 people to flee, according to the International Organization for Migration. The humanitarian conditions in the camp are critical, with the World Food Programme (WFP) warning of a looming famine affecting the displaced population. In August, experts declared the camp to be in famine, and while some food aid has been delivered, recent attacks have disrupted these efforts, jeopardizing the safety and survival of the civilians.
International Calls for Action
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has drawn increasing international attention, with calls from the United Nations and various organizations urging an end to the violence. The conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people since mid-April 2023. Governor Minawi has called on the international community to take a firm stance against the violence and protect civilians caught in the crossfire. The WFP has expressed deep concern for the safety of both the civilians in the camp and its aid workers, emphasizing that the attacks could severely hinder food aid deliveries, which are crucial to combat the famine threatening the displaced population.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the need for urgent humanitarian assistance and international intervention becomes increasingly critical to prevent a catastrophic outcome in Sudan.
