By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN on Tuesday has condemned deadly shelling on Zamzam camp, the largest site for internally displaced people in the Darfur region of Sudan.
UN Resident Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami expressed her grave concern over humanitarian aid organizations reports that Zamzam camp came under fire and intense shelling during the evening of 1 December and again on 2 December.
“Civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected under international humanitarian law and should never be a target,” she underscored.
According to humanitarian organizations, the shelling killed 5 people and injured 18, prompted the evacuation of a hospital and the suspension of healthcare operations in the camp, which is located near El Fasher, capital of North Darfur state.
Zamzam camp is home to over half a million displaced people, has faced severe shortages of critical humanitarian supplies.
Food security experts confirmed famine conditions in August 2024, Zamzam the only location globally where famine has been declared this year.
“It is now 232 days since the siege of El Fasher began, which has resulted in unacceptable levels of human suffering,” said Ms. Nkweta-Salami.
The violence has devastated civilian infrastructure, including health clinics and shelters, exacerbating an already dire situation.
UN and humanitarian partners have strongly condemned these attacks on civilians and called for an immediate halt to violence.
“[Civilian] protection is paramount,” said Ms. Nkweta-Salami.
World Food Programme has urged all armed groups to consistently grant safe passage for food aid to reach the camp.
Alex Marianelli, WFP’s Operations Deputy Country Director in Sudan stressed “We have the food. We have the trucks. We have the staff on board to ensure this aid gets there. Now, we need all warring parties and armed groups to allow this vital food and nutrition to arrive safely.”
“With over 11 million people displaced across Sudan, including 5.8 million women and children, the escalating violence has deepened the world’s largest displacement crisis.
UN has renewed its calls for international attention and immediate action to address the ongoing situation
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