Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in El Fasher, Sudan

Zamzam Camp, El Fasher, North Darfur – Zubaida Abdel Rahman’s life has been forever changed by the ongoing conflict in El Fasher. She recently lost her father and brother in the fighting between the army and its allied movements, and the Rapid Aid Forces, which have been besieging the city for months.

Zubaida’s brother, who was ill and displaced in the Zamzam camp, was killed in battles around the army command in El Fasher. Her father soon followed, after a shell hit their house in the city. Zubaida had planned to travel abroad for treatment for her knee osteoarthritis, but was forced to flee her family home and seek refuge in the Zamzam camp.

Zubaida’s story is not an isolated one. Omaima Suleiman, who lost her husband and grandfather in the El Fasher war, shared her own tragic experience. “My husband died in battles around the army command, and a shell killed my grandfather on his way home,” she said.

Omaima and Zubaida are among thousands of displaced people who have sought refuge in the Zamzam camp. However, they face dire humanitarian conditions, including poor living conditions, inadequate services, and neglect by international and national organizations.

The displaced people in the camp are struggling to access basic necessities like food, medicine, and shelter. Many are forced to live in dilapidated homes and face the elements, including heavy rainfall.