Sudan: Desperate Situation for Zamzam Displaced People

On April 11, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a major offensive on Zamzam camp. This camp is Sudan's largest displacement site, previously home to at least 500,000 people. The attack forced hundreds of thousands to flee to El Fasher, North Darfur's capital. Many are now trapped and cut off from vital aid.

By April 16, RSF reportedly controlled the largely destroyed Zamzam camp. Most of its residents have sought refuge in El Fasher. Unfortunately, they remain without humanitarian assistance and face ongoing violence.

Between April 12 and 15, over 25,000 displaced individuals arrived in Tawila from Zamzam. Now, arrivals are less frequent and perilous. MSF has set up a health post in Tawila for new arrivals. They provide water and immediate medical support.

Critical cases are referred to the local hospital where MSF has worked since last October. So far, about 1,600 patients needed emergency outpatient services due to severe dehydration. Marion Ramstein, MSF project coordinator in Tawila, reported treating children near death from thirst during their journeys.

MSF has also received over 170 patients with gunshot wounds or blast injuries. Forty percent of these injured individuals are women and girls. Many vulnerable people were left behind in Zamzam due to the dangers of travel. Almost everyone interviewed reported losing at least one family member during the attack.

Reports from Zamzam indicate horrific violence with many casualties estimated in the hundreds. Fighters allegedly went door-to-door shooting those hiding inside homes and burning parts of the camp. Among the casualties were eleven staff members from Relief International, which operated the only clinic there after MSF suspended activities due to escalating violence.

We call on the RSF and all armed groups to protect civilians during this crisis. Those wishing to flee should be allowed to do so safely without harm. States and diplomatic actors must act decisively rather than just making statements.

The UN has warned about potential mass killings and ethnic violence in El Fasher and surrounding camps. These areas mainly house non-Arab Zaghawa and Fur ethnic groups while most RSF fighters come from Arab tribes.