The humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s North Darfur has reached alarming levels as nearly 500,000 civilians in Zamzam camp face famine amidst a year-long siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The siege has also left the capital, El Fasher, and surrounding towns on the brink of starvation, despite efforts by the Joint Forces—local armed factions supported by the Sudanese army—to prevent an invasion.

Residents of Zamzam camp, the largest refugee settlement in North Darfur, report receiving limited food aid dropped by army warplanes earlier this week. However, supplies are expected to run out within days, exacerbating the dire situation. According to the United Nations Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), famine conditions are already present in the camp, with the broader region suffering from acute food insecurity.

Mohamed Khamis Doda, spokesperson for Zamzam camp, has called for immediate action: “All Sudanese military and security agencies should move towards [North Darfur] to ensure the flow of food, medicine, and humanitarian supplies to besieged civilians. There must also be an immediate intervention of [humanitarian organizations].”

Experts and local journalists express concerns over the army’s ability and willingness to rescue civilians, as the RSF continues to tighten its grip on the region. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing millions and leaving vast swathes of the population in desperate need of aid.

The international community faces mounting pressure to address the escalating crisis, as time runs out to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of those trapped in North Darfur.

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