In brief
Attacks in Sudan's Zamzam camp have resulted in over 100 civilian deaths, including children, as residents describe catastrophic living conditions and constant fear of violence. The UN and humanitarian organizations are condemning the ongoing assaults as a serious escalation of the conflict.
The Zamzam camp near el-Fasher, which is home to hundreds of thousands displaced by Sudan's civil war, continues to be the target of relentless attacks, leading to alarming reports from residents who describe the situation as "extremely catastrophic." Over recent days, violent incidents attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have claimed more than 100 lives, including a disturbing number of children and essential healthcare workers, as confirmed by the United Nations.Many of the 700,000 residents of the Zamzam and nearby Abu Shouk camps find themselves in famine-like conditions, struggling to survive amid the ongoing violence. One camp resident described the loss and destruction in the area, with individuals attempting to flee but blocked by closed routes and ongoing shelling. "Death is everywhere," he recounted from a makeshift trench as explosions rang out around him.Reports of civilians making the perilous journey to el-Fasher, the nearest urban center, indicate the rising desperation within the camps. North Darfur’s Health Minister observed families fleeing, many carrying injuries and describing the traumatic loss of loved ones. The humanitarian crisis in the region only grows more severe with each passing day of violence.UN humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed profound concern over the recent escalation of violence, highlighting the unacceptable nature of the attacks on vulnerable populations and aid workers. The US State Department has also condemned the RSF’s actions, demanding accountability for the assaults on civilians.British Foreign Secretary David Lammy voiced his outrage at the disturbing reports from the area, emphasizing the need for global attention to the ongoing situation. Aid organizations like Relief International have reported the targeted killings of their staff, including doctors and drivers, further diminishing access to much-needed medical services.In a statement, the RSF has denied responsibility for civilian attacks, maintaining that the reports are false and intended to discredit their operations. However, expert analysis of satellite imagery suggests that this recent assault may represent the most significant ground attack on Zamzam since the conflict began.Starting on April 15, 2023, Sudan has witnessed escalating violence stemming from a power struggle between the RSF and the army, resulting in the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with over 12 million people displaced and facing severe food shortages. El-Fasher remains under siege, marking a desperate chapter in the unfolding conflict.
