The United Nations expressed grave concern on Monday over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, with a particular focus on the violence impacting civilians in the Zamzam displacement camp in Al Fasher, North Darfur. According to Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, the situation in Sudan remains “extremely worrying” as ongoing violence continues to exacerbate the suffering of displaced populations.
“One of the areas we are especially concerned about is the impact of violence on civilians in and around the Zamzam displacement camp, where the humanitarian situation has rapidly deteriorated,” Dujarric stated. Zamzam has emerged as one of the hardest-hit regions in Sudan, where famine has taken a heavy toll on the population, with many facing extreme food shortages and malnutrition.
In the past week, hostilities in Zamzam have intensified, causing approximately 5,500 people to flee their homes in search of safety. These displaced individuals have sought refuge in Shamal Jabal Marrah, a locality in Central Darfur, where conditions remain precarious. According to Dujarric, many people attempting to leave the conflict zones have been trapped, with key exit routes blocked due to the intensity of fighting.
Dujarric further highlighted the increasing restrictions on movement within the region, noting that many civilians trying to escape the violence have been unable to do so due to the widespread blockade of routes by armed groups. The escalating fighting has made it increasingly difficult for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid to those most in need.
The violence in Darfur has been largely driven by paramilitary groups, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a notorious paramilitary faction, leading the assault on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The RSF has been besieging the city for nearly a year, attempting to capture it from Sudanese government forces. The conflict in Darfur has sparked widespread atrocities, including ethnic violence, civilian killings, and the destruction of vital infrastructure.
As the violence in Sudan continues to intensify, the humanitarian crisis is worsening, with millions of people in need of urgent assistance. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have called for immediate international support to address the crisis, with particular emphasis on providing food, shelter, and medical care to the displaced populations in Darfur and beyond.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in 2023, has killed more than 28,000 people and displaced over 5 million. It has drawn international attention, with the United Nations and other organizations working to address the grave situation on the ground. However, continued violence and political instability remain significant barriers to effective humanitarian intervention and long-term peace in Sudan.
As the RSF continues to exert pressure on Sudan’s government forces, and as the conflict spreads to other parts of the country, the UN is urging all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law and allow unfettered access to aid for the civilian population. The situation remains dire, and the international community is under increasing pressure to step up its response to what is rapidly becoming one of the most urgent humanitarian crises in Africa.
