MSF halts operations in camp in Sudan’s Darfur region as violence rages

Due to an increase in violent attacks, Doctors Without Borders has announced that it is halted its operations in a camp for displaced people in Sudan’s North Darfur region.

The medical organization, known as the MSF acronym, claimed it was “impossible” to continue providing medical assistance in the wake of fighting in and around the Zamzam camp near the town of El-Fasher on Monday.

We have no choice but to decide to suspend all of our activities in the camp, including the MSF field hospital, despite widespread starvation and pressing humanitarian needs, according to the group.

About half a million people have been displaced by Sudan’s devastating 22-month civil war, and MSF is one of the few humanitarian organizations still operating in the camp.

The field hospital at the organization’s Zamzam facility provided care for thousands of malnourished children as well as treated people who had been injured in paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacks this month.

“Halting our project in the midst of a worsening disaster in Zamzam is a heartbreaking decision”, said Yahya Kalilah, MSF’s Sudan country director.

We have little choice because of the violence’s immediate proximity, significant logistical difficulties, the inability to send experienced staff for adequate support, and uncertainty regarding routes to leave the camp for our colleagues and civilians.

We’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend our activities in Zamzam camp, North Darfur, Sudan. Violence has engulfed the camp, which hosts around 500, 000 people.

We urge all nearby armed actors to defend civilians.

The details: https://t.co/7zb32yoe5d

In April 2023, the RSF and the Sudanese military declared a war in Sudan.

The UN accuses both parties of war crimes after tens of thousands of people have been killed, 14 million have fled their homes, and there has been a humanitarian crisis as a result of the violence, according to the UN.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the RSF stormed Zamzam on February 11 and sparked two days of fighting between the army and allies.

In its field hospital, according to MSF, 139 patients have been treated for gunshot and shrapnel wounds so far this month. However, the facility’s lack of the necessary equipment caused 11 fatalities, including 5 children.

Additionally, the organization claimed that recent months had been targeted for its ambulances.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Monday of a “further escalation” after the RSF and its allies agreed to form a parallel government.

Guterres’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said the UN chief was “deeply concerned” by Sunday’s announcement. “This further escalation in the conflict… deepens the fragmentation of the country”, Dujarric said.

The RSF-led government is not expected to receive widespread recognition, with the group accused of carrying out war crimes, including genocide.