Doctors Without Borders Halts Operations in Sudan’s Zamzam Camp Amid Escalating Violence

A Heartbreaking Decision: MSF Suspends Aid in Zamzam Camp

In a devastating blow to thousands of displaced people in Sudan’s Zamzam camp, Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, or MSF) announced on Monday that it has suspended all operations in the area. The decision comes as fighting between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensified in the camp, located in North Darfur. The escalation of violence has made it impossible for the organization to continue providing critical medical care and humanitarian assistance to those in dire need. MSF’s field hospital in Zamzam, which was a lifeline for many, has ceased operations, leaving vulnerable populations without access to essential services. Yahya Kalilah, MSF’s head of mission in Sudan, described the decision as “heartbreaking,” emphasizing that the organization was left with “little choice” due to the unsafe conditions and logistical challenges.

The Broader Context: Sudan’s Ongoing Civil War

Sudan’s descent into chaos began in April 2023 when clashes erupted between the Sudanese military and the RSF, a paramilitary group. Since then, the conflict has claimed more than 24,000 lives and displaced over 14 million people, creating a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions. The war has exacerbated food insecurity, leading to famine in several regions, including Zamzam camp. The camp, home to around 500,000 displaced individuals, has become a symbol of the human cost of the conflict. Many of its residents have fled their homes in nearby areas, escaping brutal violence, sexual assault, and looting. The recent surge in fighting has further destabilized the region, making it nearly impossible for aid organizations like MSF to operate safely.

Zamzam Camp: A Crisis Within a Crisis

The situation in Zamzam camp reached a breaking point in February when fighting between the two warring factions intensified on February 11 and 12. During this period, MSF’s field hospital received 130 wounded patients, most of whom suffered from gunshot and shrapnel injuries. However, the facility was ill-equipped to handle such a influx of trauma cases, as it was originally established to address a severe malnutrition crisis in the camp. The hospital’s limitations became tragically apparent when 11 patients, including five children, died due to the lack of proper treatment and the impossibility of transferring them to a better-equipped hospital in El Fasher, the regional capital. The fighting has also disrupted access to basic necessities like food and water, exacerbating the suffering of the camp’s residents. The central market in Zamzam has been looted and burned, leaving many without access to essential supplies.

The Challenges of Delivering Aid in a War Zone

MSF’s decision to suspend operations in Zamzam was not taken lightly. The organization has faced numerous challenges in recent months, including the dangers of working in close proximity to active combat zones, difficulties in transporting supplies, and the impossibility of deploying experienced staff to the area. The uncertainty surrounding safe routes in and out of the camp has further compounded the risks. In January and December, two MSF ambulances carrying patients to El Fasher were shot at, highlighting the perils faced by medical teams. Kalilah noted that the situation has become even more dangerous, leaving many patients requiring emergency care, including those needing trauma surgery or caesarean sections, trapped in Zamzam without access to life-saving treatments.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: A Call to Action

The suspension of MSF’s operations in Zamzam camp is a stark reminder of the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan. The conflict has created a perfect storm of violence, displacement, and hunger, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Zamzam camp, with its overcrowded conditions and limited resources, is just one example of the broader crisis unfolding across the country. The international community has been urged to take immediate action to address the needs of millions of displaced Sudanese, who are struggling to survive in the face of relentless violence and deprivation. The withdrawal of MSF from Zamzam serves as a stark warning: without a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access, the situation will continue to deteriorate, with catastrophic consequences for civilians.

Conclusion: A Fragile Future for Sudan’s Displaced Population

The suspension of MSF’s operations in Zamzam camp is a devastating blow to the thousands of displaced people who rely on humanitarian aid for survival. As the conflict in Sudan rages on, the international community must act with urgency to ensure that aid organizations can safely and effectively deliver assistance to those in need. The people of Zamzam camp, and countless others like them across Sudan, are caught in the crossfire of a brutal war, their lives hanging in the balance. Without peace and protection, their future remains fragile and uncertain.