Zamzam Camp for displaced people came under fire for the first time on Sunday 1 December since the conflict in Sudan escalated in April 2023. Tragically five civilians were killed and 10 severely injured in the crossfire.

Kashif Shafique, Country Director at Relief International in Sudan says, “Yesterday marked a tragic development when Zamzam Camp was attacked. It has been estimated that over 1 million displaced people are sheltering in the camp for safety, having already fled violence in their hometowns.

“The situation in the overcrowded camp was already at breaking point – cut off from critical humanitarian supplies, a state of famine has been declared, and rates of severe malnutrition and disease are soaring. Now, widespread panic and despair have taken hold, as innocent civilians are coming under direct fire.

“One of our health facilities has been impacted by shelling, but thankfully none of our colleagues have been injured. As the bombing continues this morning, staff are receiving and treating patients with critical injuries, including gunshot wounds. They are doing everything they can to help people whilst staying safe.

“We run seven health facilities in the camp and will be forced to temporarily suspend activities due to the attacks and heavy shelling. We are extremely concerned that the camp is being used as a military position, and it will become increasingly difficult to provide desperately needed support.”

Mark Atterton, Regional Director for Africa and Asia at Relief International adds, “The conflict in Sudan has been ravaging innocent lives for over 18 months with civilians targeted, health centres bombed, starvation and violent sexual crimes. This needs to stop.

“With the new UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr Tom Fletcher, currently visiting West Darfur, this is an opportunity for the international community to take notice and do more.

“The international community needs to wake up and step up in the name of international humanitarian law and must do more now to protect civilians, humanitarians and stop the targeting of health facilities.”

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About Relief International

Relief International is operating 31 health and nutrition facilities in North Darfur, including five in Zamzam camp.

Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Our team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers work in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience. We do this by working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive local programming that is evidence based, conflict sensitive, climate smart, and reaches those in need.