Al-Fashir: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily stopped food aid distribution in Sudan's Zamzam camp in North Darfur due to increasing violence, raising concerns that thousands of displaced families could face starvation in the coming weeks.
The suspension follows the decision by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to cease operations in the camp, which has been under repeated attacks from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Laurent Bukera, WFP’s regional director for East Africa, warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis. "Without immediate aid, thousands of desperate families in Zamzam could starve in the coming weeks," he stated, calling for an urgent ceasefire and security guarantees to allow humanitarian efforts to resume.
The conflict, which began in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF, has led to mass displacement and widespread hunger, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
During a United Nations Security Council briefing, senior UN humanitarian official Edem Wosornu reported that satellite images confirmed the use of heavy weapons around Zamzam and the destruction of vital market infrastructure within the camp. She also revealed that civilians, including aid workers, were trapped during intense clashes, resulting in multiple fatalities, including at least two humanitarian personnel.
Famine was officially declared in Zamzam camp in August 2023 by global food security experts. Since then, WFP has only managed to deliver one aid convoy to the area, citing obstructions caused by the RSF, challenging road conditions, and ongoing hostilities. Additionally, the closure of the Adre border crossing from Chad earlier this year has further disrupted aid deliveries.
Wosornu emphasized the dire conditions across Sudan, describing the country as being on the brink of collapse. She reported that nearly 12 million people have been displaced, and half of Sudan's population—approximately 24.6 million—are suffering from acute hunger.
"We need concrete action to ensure unfettered humanitarian access to those in desperate need," she urged.
Efforts to secure international support have faced obstacles, including Russia’s veto in November of a UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to hostilities and improved humanitarian access. Russia has been a key backer of the Sudanese government in the ongoing conflict.
