Since December 1, repeated shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one of the parties to the conflict in Sudan, has added to the deadly threats hanging over the 450,000 displaced people living in Zamzam camp, the largest displacement camp in the country. Zamzam is already in the grip of a massive malnutrition crisis, particularly among children.
Over the past three weeks, the Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) at our field hospital in Zamzam camp has treated 44 injured people, including children as young as 4 years old suffering severe trauma. The team usually focuses on pediatrics and maternal health. We also received 14 people who were dead upon arrival or succumbed shortly after due to their injuries. Local sources have reported at least 24 deaths in the camp directly linked to the shelling.
El Fasher’s Saudi Hospital was struck on December 13 and 18, causing deaths and injuries among patients and medics. Sudan 2024 © MSF
The violence disrupts the already-limited humanitarian aid available on-site. MSF had to suspend activities at one of our clinics in the southern part of the camp, which provided vital nutritional follow-up care for malnourished children in areas most affected by the shelling. Nonetheless, MSF continues efforts to keep providing lifesaving medical care in Zamzam camp.
MSF is also supporting hospitals in North Darfur, namely in the cities of Kebkabya and El Fasher, with donations of medical supplies. Communities there face a shocking escalation in attacks targeting densely populated and residential areas. Last week, local sources reported scores of casualties from an airstrike on Kabkabiya’s market. Meanwhile, El Fasher’s Saudi hospital was struck again on December 13 and 18, causing deaths and injuries among patients and medics.
As this conflict reaches new levels of brutality, we urge all warring parties to respect the protection of civilians, the wounded, and the sick. Medical staff, facilities, and humanitarian workers must be spared, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid must be ensured to avert further suffering and loss of life.
