Since December 1st, repeated shelling by Rapid Support Forces has added to the deadly threats hanging over the 450,000 displaced people living in Zamzam camp, already in the grip of a massive malnutrition crisis. Over the past three weeks, MSF team has treated 44 injured people, including children as young as 4 years old suffering severe trauma, in our field hospital in Zamzam, which usually focuses on pediatrics and maternity. 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.
The violence disrupts the already limited humanitarian aid available on-site. We had to suspend activities at one of our clinics in the southern part of the camp, which provided vital nutritional follow-up for children in the areas most affected by the shelling. Nonetheless, MSF continues its efforts to keep providing lifesaving medical care in Zamzam camp.
MSF is also supporting hospitals in North Darfur, namely in Kebkabya and El Fasher, with donations of medical supplies as 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.