“Zamzam”… Militia Siege Worsens Suffering of Camp Residents

Sudan Events – Agencies

The closure of bakeries and the depletion of flour stocks have worsened the suffering of displaced people in the Zamzam camp (15 km south of El Fasher), creating a humanitarian crisis due to the siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia on the area for months.

In recent days, the situation has deteriorated further due to a severe shortage of essential goods and the lack of cash liquidity, which has brought daily life to a complete standstill.

Dire Conditions

The camp houses around one million displaced people, most of whom fled their original homes due to the ongoing armed conflict in the Darfur region since 2003. Despite being displaced for many years, the living conditions of the residents are described as “miserable,” with daily struggles to obtain basic needs such as water, food, and medicine.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a fierce war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, resulting in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, many more injured, and millions displaced.

Despite the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, clashes continue without any signs of de-escalation. The Sudanese army is advancing in El Fasher, while the RSF threatens to launch further attacks on the city and the northern state.

Siege and Targeting

Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, the camp’s official spokesperson, Mohamed Khamis Douda, said, “The imposed siege prevents any humanitarian, medical, or food aid from entering, and about 20 bakeries in the camp have completely shut down due to the flour shortage.”

He noted that the Sudanese military carried out three airdrops of food supplies, but described them as “a drop in the ocean” compared to the needs of the displaced. He added, “The camp depends on aid, and now we are besieged, under threat of bombardment from the outside, and starving from the inside.”

Local activist and volunteer Ahmed Hussein, who lives in the camp, confirmed to Al Jazeera Net that they are “completely besieged, with no way to leave the camp.” He added that anyone attempting to leave is targeted by RSF militias, making the situation even more dangerous.

Hussein revealed that the severe shortage of essential supplies in the camp, along with skyrocketing prices of goods such as salt, flour, sugar, and cooking oil, has doubled the suffering of residents. Recent RSF attacks on the camp have burned down the local market and merchandise and destroyed displaced people’s homes.

RSF Threats

Since December 1, RSF forces have launched a series of attacks on Zamzam Camp using heavy artillery and infantry. The Sudanese Armed Forces and the joint Darfur factions’ force repelled the attacks, preventing the RSF from making significant advances. On Wednesday, the RSF threatened via social media to carry out additional attacks on El Fasher, the camp, and areas in the northern state.

Mohamed Adam, one of the mobilized fighters, told Al Jazeera Net, “We are fully prepared to repel any new attack on the area.” He added, “We are ready to fight to the end, and we will not stop until the last Janjaweed is eliminated. We will fight to our last breath.”

Source: Al Jazeera Net