The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday said the world body is gravely concerned about the predicament of civilians fleeing Zamzam camp, as well as the dire situation in and around El Fasher, in Sudan’s North Darfur State.
Stéphane Dujarric, speaking during a briefing, said that famine conditions have been identified in Zamzam and other displacement sites in the area and that key humanitarian partners had been forced to suspend operations due to severe insecurity during the latest wave of violent attacks.
“We continue to receive alarming reports of serious protection issues, such as arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation at checkpoints controlled by the Rapid Support Forces,” reported. “El Fasher itself remains under siege, with ongoing shelling of civilians. Today (Monday), local sources in El Fasher are reporting a further intensification of attacks in the area, although information on civilian casualties is not yet available. We reiterate that international humanitarian law must be respected.”
“All parties must ensure and facilitate safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access, including to El Fasher itself. Civilians, including humanitarian workers, must be protected, and safe passage must be ensured,” Dujarric added.
Meanwhile, authorities in Sudan’s Northern State are reporting the arrival of thousands of people from Zamzam camp and Al Malha town in North Darfur, and from Om-durman in Khartoum.
“The majority of those displaced people are seeking safety in poorly-constructed shelters, while others are being hosted by family or friends,” Dujarric revealed. “They are relying on just one meal a day and in dire need of food, in dire need of sanitation, water, nutrition, shelter, and every other possible support.”