Dozens of people have been killed in Zamzam camp in Sudan's North Darfur region following intense fighting over the weekend. The seizing of the camp by armed parties also saw aid organisations targeted, and humanitarian workers killed. Zamzam camp and neighbouring Abu Shouk camp provide shelter for more than 700,000 displaced people – the majority of whom are women and children.
The attack, which coincides with the 2nd anniversary of the crisis, is part of a significant escalation in violence around the area of Al Fasher, the state capital of North Darfur where armed parties are fighting for control. There are fears that this phase of intense fighting could put hundreds of thousands of civilians, including children and women, at grave risk in North Darfur.
According to UN OCHA, 60 per cent of people in Al Fasher are projected to face acute hunger in the coming months.
Sudan Country Director for Plan International, Mohamed Kamal, said: "The appalling killing of civilians and aid workers in a camp where people, including children, are already fighting for survival from famine is a devastating development in Sudan. We condemn these killings in the strongest terms and stand with the loved ones and colleagues of those murdered.
"This growing violence in North Darfur is driving hundreds of thousands of people to flee yet again. Most of those people are women and children who are facing many grave risks – including starvation.
"Today sees the arrival of a grim milestone in Sudan – two years of gruelling conflict. We are at a critical moment right now – with famine already affecting 25 million people, increasing violence sweeping homes and camps, and a health system that has collapsed."
Plan International Australia Chief Executive, Susanne Legena, said the escalating violence and death of children and humanitarian workers has been tragic and completely unacceptable.
"It remains the largest hunger crisis on earth and remains largely out of the news. The resilience and fortitude of the people of Sudan is awe inspiring but they need help and they need it now," she said.
"Australia has so far committed $50m in humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighbouring countries since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023. These contributions are welcome but, given the scale and severity of this crisis, we can and must do more." A meeting of donor countries took place in Paris yesterday to galvanise further support for the Sudanese people in crisis. Australia did not increase its support.
"This is an opportunity for Australia to act on our values and utilise the country's humanitarian assistance capacity to make a further commitment," Ms Legena said.
[
