Displaced People in Zamzam Camp Face Harsh Winter Conditions
In the Zamzam camp for displaced persons, located just 15 kilometers south of El Fasher, North Darfur, the dire situation for residents is exacerbated by the onset of winter. Families like that of Mohammed Abdullah struggle to survive in makeshift tents that offer little protection against the bitter cold. As the conflict in Sudan continues, the camp, which hosts approximately half a million displaced individuals, is plagued by a dual threat: relentless artillery shelling and harsh weather conditions.
Mohammed Abdullah, who fled El Fasher due to heavy bombardment by the Rapid Support Forces, shared his family's plight, stating, "We did not find homes to shelter us, so we were forced to live in open spaces amidst major challenges, including a lack of food, water, and health care." The ongoing conflict has led to an influx of displaced individuals, with estimates suggesting that between 1,000 to 2,000 people have arrived at the camp in recent months.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Zamzam camp has deteriorated significantly, with residents living in constant fear of shelling. Mahasin Hamid, another displaced individual, reported that families are fleeing to unknown destinations or attempting to return to El Fasher despite the ongoing violence. She recounted, "We were exposed to more than 25 shells in two days, which resulted in the killing and wounding of many people."
The official spokesman for the displaced people, Mohammed Khamis Doda, highlighted the alarming increase in civilian casualties, noting that nine people, including a child, have died due to the shelling, with many others injured. The targeting of the camp raises serious concerns, as it is situated far from any military presence, leading to questions about the motives behind the attacks.
Calls for International Intervention
On the international front, humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm over the deteriorating conditions in Zamzam camp. Michel Olivier La Charité, head of emergency operations for Doctors Without Borders, emphasized the urgent need for protection for civilians and medical staff. He reported that injured individuals, including young children, are arriving at medical facilities with severe injuries due to the ongoing violence.
The acting governor of North Darfur, Al-Hafiz Bakhit Mohammed, condemned the targeting of the camp as a violation of international humanitarian law, asserting that it is part of a broader strategy by the Rapid Support Forces to displace civilians systematically. As the conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, continues to escalate, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan remains one of the largest internal displacement crises in the world.
