In a devastating blow to a region already crippled by conflict and famine, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has announced the suspension of its operations in Zamzam camp, a sprawling displacement site in Sudan’s North Darfur region. The decision comes as surging violence and instability have made it impossible for the organization to safely provide medical care to the camp’s approximately 500,000 residents. Zamzam camp has become a fragile refuge for those fleeing Sudan’s brutal 22-month civil war, which has left millions displaced and thousands starving. MSF, one of the few humanitarian groups still operational in the camp, has been a lifeline for countless families, offering critical medical services, including treating the wounded and caring for malnourished children. The suspension of their work leaves a gaping hole in the humanitarian response at a time when the need is most dire.
The escalation of violence in recent weeks has pushed Zamzam camp to the brink. Clashes between armed groups, including the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have engulfed the area, forcing thousands more families to flee and trapping others in a desperate cycle of fear and uncertainty. MSF’s field hospital in the camp has been a beacon of hope, treating scores of patients with gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries. However, the organization has faced immense challenges, including limited supplies, the targeting of ambulances, and the dangers of operating in a conflict zone. Yahya Kalilah, MSF’s Sudan country director, described the decision to suspend operations as “heartbreaking,” emphasizing that the proximity of violence, logistical challenges, and the inability to ensure the safety of staff and civilians have left them with no choice. The suspension is a stark reminder of the human cost of seemingly endless conflict.
The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the RSF and the Sudanese military, has unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe. Tens of thousands have been killed, and 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes, according to United Nations estimates. The violence has been marked by allegations of war crimes, including forced displacement, indiscriminate attacks on civilians, and the blockade of essential aid. In Zamzam camp, the situation is particularly dire, with families facing starvation, disease, and the ever-present threat of violence. MSF’s withdrawal from the camp removes a vital layer of protection and care for those most vulnerable, including children, women, and the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by the crisis.
The most recent surge in violence in Zamzam camp began on February 11, when the RSF stormed the area, triggering two days of intense clashes with government forces and allied armed groups. The fighting displaced an estimated 10,000 families, further destabilizing a region already on the edge. MSF teams treated 139 patients with gunshot and shrapnel wounds in the first weeks of February alone, but the lack of adequate equipment and supplies meant that 11 people, including five children, did not survive. The organization has also reported that its ambulances have been targeted in recent months, a harrowing indicator of the risks faced by humanitarian workers in the region. These attacks not only endanger the lives of medical staff but also obstruct the delivery of life-saving care to those in need.
The suspension of MSF’s operations in Zamzam camp reflects the broader unraveling of Sudan’s fragile political landscape. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of a “further escalation” in the conflict after the RSF and its allies announced the formation of a parallel government. This move has deepened fears of fragmentation and prolonged instability in a country already torn apart by war. The RSF, which has been accused of committing war crimes, including genocide, is unlikely to gain widespread international recognition. However, its focus on consolidating control in Darfur, even as it loses ground elsewhere, suggests a dangerous entrenchment of divisions that could further cement the splintering of Sudan.
As the situation in Zamzam camp and across Sudan continues to deteriorate, the international community is urging all armed actors to protect civilians and allow unfettered access for humanitarian aid. MSF has joined this call, emphasizing that the suspension of its operations is a last resort and that the decision was made with a heavy heart. The organization’s withdrawal from Zamzam camp is a sobering reminder of the human cost of inaction and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. For the families trapped in Zamzam and the millions affected by the war, the hope for safety, food, and medical care hangs in the balance, as the world grapples with how to respond to one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.
