Zamzam camp in North Darfur faces unbearable security conditions due to blocked roads and escalating violence between the Sudanese military and RSF. MSF has suspended operations amid safety concerns, while hunger and malnutrition rates rise sharply among the camp’s population of nearly 500,000 displaced individuals. They aim to return once the situation stabilizes, but immediate safety is a priority.
Security conditions in the Zamzam camp, North Darfur, have deteriorated significantly, as all access roads are blocked due to ongoing conflict. An aid worker from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) described the situation as “unbearable,” highlighting the challenges faced by humanitarian efforts amidst escalating violence between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
MSF has suspended its operations in the camp due to safety concerns. Marion Ramstein, MSF’s project coordinator for North Darfur, reported that the aid organization has been unable to transport supplies or skilled personnel due to intensified fighting, which has made it impossible for the team to work. The violent atmosphere has become a primary barrier to delivering essential services.
Since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023, Sudan has seen widespread devastation, with a death toll exceeding 20,000 and over 14 million people displaced. Jamzam Camp has been severely affected, experiencing significant hunger, classified at IPC Phase 5, the worst hunger level according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.
MSF noted alarming rates of malnutrition among children in the camp. In September, they screened 29,300 children during a vaccination drive and found that 34% were acutely malnourished. The camp currently hosts around 500,000 people, many of whom have fled violence and abuses in their hometowns, adding urgency to the need for aid.
Despite the dire circumstances, MSF aims to return when conditions permit. However, their immediate priority is safety, as they had previously faced direct attacks on ambulances, resulting in casualties, which further underscores the risks faced by humanitarian workers in volatile areas.
The situation in the Zamzam camp, marked by blocked access and severe security issues, has led to the suspension of humanitarian operations by MSF. Alarmingly high levels of malnutrition and hunger prevail, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and displacement. Although MSF is committed to returning, the immediate focus remains on ensuring safety for both staff and the vulnerable populations they serve.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
