A major humanitarian disaster is occurring right now outside el-Fasher, Sudan. This comes after a shocking assault by the RSF on the Zamzam camp. This attack has forced more than 50,000 residents to flee their crude shelters. The humanitarian nightmare for everyone stuck in this heavily contested area has grown increasingly intensified.
Zamzam camp has turned into a temporary shelter for approximately 130,000 to 150,000 people. It’s become a rallying point for the horrific effects of this unyielding violence. Most of the camp’s residents had called it home for twenty years, having fled there from previous wars in Darfur. The RSF soon launched a counter offensive that completely destroyed the camp, burning it “to the ground.” According to Nathaniel Raymond, this quickly eroded the safety that was enjoyed.
Eyewitness testimony from people escaping the camp are painting a horrific picture. Survivors detailed how their homes were burned to the ground and they were gunned down while fleeing for their lives. Hundreds of thousands are suffering in dire conditions. Some people have even experienced the heartbreaking death of “dying of thirst” on the intense 40-kilometer walk from Zamzam camp. The camp is at capacity as they’re quickly overtaken by the number of people running from the hands of violence. It can’t even guarantee essentials such as food and clean drinking water.
The United Nations and humanitarian agencies are describing their profound alarm over the developing crisis. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk emphasized the need for immediate security assurances. These guarantees, agreed in advance, are non-negotiable for humanitarian actors to deliver aid swiftly and safely. He stated, “The systems to assist victims in many areas are on the verge of collapse, medical workers are themselves under threat and even water sources have been deliberately attacked.”
UK Foreign Minister David Lammy highlighted the severity of the situation, remarking that the events at Zamzam camp display “the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing and may amount to crimes against humanity.” This evaluation highlights the increased risk of potential war crimes being carried out against the civilian population in the area.
The violence has not stopped there. Zamzam camp has witnessed a troubling escalation of violence. According to the Sudan Doctors Network, there is a tragic toll in North Darfur. Since 10 April, fighting has claimed at least 481 civilian lives, with most concentrated near el-Fasher. One of these deaths was 74 people who were killed when RSF attacked the village of al-Za’fafah.
Noah Taylor, a representative from the aid organization known as Mercy Corps, called these new stories coming out of Zamzam camp “just truly horrific.” He noted that those who were able to get out still find themselves in the streets, dying of starvation. This fact speaks to the pressing need to provide emergency humanitarian assistance now, yesterday.
Desperation has led thousands of Sudanese to even more desperate measures. Reports indicate that some have started consuming leaves and lumps of charcoal as a source of sustenance after fleeing the brutality at Zamzam camp. Inside, the reality of their situation is still dire, as we hear every day about the worsening living conditions and growing struggles for those impacted.
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