Sudan Crisis Deepens: Thousands Flee Zamzam Camp as Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
Three weeks after the devastating attack on Zamzam camp in Sudan, the situation in the region continues to deteriorate, with thousands of displaced people pouring into Tawila, North Darfur state. The Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) large-scale ground offensive has left a trail of destruction, death, and despair in its wake. As the international community struggles to respond to the crisis, the people of Sudan are facing unimaginable suffering, with many forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in makeshift shelters.
Mariam*, a survivor of the attack, recounts the horror she witnessed: "They came with their machine guns, attacked and killed people, including children. They burnt our house, with everything we had inside. They raped the women and looted our belongings." Mariam, who arrived in Tawila with her mother, sisters, and their children, is now struggling to survive in a makeshift shelter with limited access to food, water, and basic necessities.
The situation in Tawila is dire, with tens of thousands of people living in squalid conditions, lacking access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Ibrahim*, who fled Zamzam on foot with 11 family members, describes the desperate conditions: "We’re staying here with nothing: no walls, no roof. We’re lacking water, shelter, and food. Everyone is hungry." The area surrounding Tawila has been transformed into a sprawling refugee camp, with people forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been working tirelessly to provide medical support and emergency care to the affected population. Tiphaine Salmon, MSF’s head nurse, describes the overwhelming situation: "The emergency room was overwhelmed. We’ve treated 779 people over the past three weeks, including 138 children. The youngest patient I saw was a seven-month-old baby with a bullet wound." The organization has set up health posts, provided medical consultations, and distributed food and clean water to the affected population.
However, despite these efforts, the humanitarian response remains inadequate, and the needs of the displaced population far exceed the capacity to respond. A suspected measles outbreak has added to the crisis, with MSF treating over 900 suspected cases since early February. The organization has launched a large-scale vaccination campaign, but the situation remains precarious.
As the crisis deepens, it is clear that a more robust and coordinated response is needed. MSF is urging UN agencies to substantially increase their presence on the ground to coordinate a response that meets the ever-growing needs of the affected population. The international community must act swiftly to prevent further suffering and ensure that the people of Sudan receive the humanitarian assistance they so desperately need.
The situation in Sudan is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict and the importance of timely and effective humanitarian intervention. As the world watches, it is imperative that we respond with compassion, urgency, and collective action to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.