Crisis in Sudan: Zamzam Camp Faces Dire Attacks Amid Ongoing Civil War

For the third consecutive day, devastating assaults on Sudan’s Zamzam camp have left its residents in a state of emergency, with over 100 reported deaths, including many children, as they struggle for survival in dire circumstances.

Devastating attacks have tormented the Zamzam camp, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Sudanese find themselves amid increasing violence linked to the ongoing civil war that began in April 2023. Residents report that conditions are "extremely catastrophic," as assaults on their camp and surrounding areas have spiraled out of control for three days straight, resulting in significant casualties, including women and children.

According to the United Nations, at least 100 civilians have been killed, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) allegedly behind the onslaught. Many survivors recount harrowing stories. Mustafa, a 34-year-old resident working at a community kitchen, shared through a WhatsApp message that numerous young individuals and medical personnel involved in essential health services have perished in the violence. "My uncle and my cousin were killed," he lamented, while expressing fear over the hospital closure due to the conflict.

Another resident, known as Wasir, painted a stark picture of despair and hopelessness. “Death is everywhere,” he declared. The area's population is largely confined, with roads blocked and shelling ongoing, leaving residents struggling for survival with minimal means of escape. The hopelessness is palpable, as many families, including children, remain stranded amidst escalating attacks.

Dr. Ibrahim Khater, North Darfur's Health Minister, observed civilians making the arduous trek from Zamzam to el-Fasher, many of whom were injured and emotionally shattered from their traumatic experiences. Humanitarian officials, including the UN's Clementine Nkweta-Salami, have expressed grave concern over the deteriorating conditions for displaced families and the ongoing violence against civilians.

International responses have been quick, with the U.S. State Department condemning the RSF's actions and signaling alarm over the humanitarian crisis. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the "shocking" assaults, while Aid organization Relief International reported the deaths of nine aid workers, marking a critical blow to health services in the camp.

As the RSF denies responsibility for the attacks and claims that evidence of violence was fabricated, investigations by teams such as the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab reveal significant destruction in the camp, with arson and violence spreading fear among the displaced.

The power struggle between the RSF and Sudan's army has snowballed into the world's largest contemporary humanitarian crisis, affecting more than 12 million people and pushing countless communities to the brink of starvation. As Zamzam remains enveloped in fear, the dawn of a new day offers little hope for the beleaguered residents fighting for survival amid shifting tides of violence.