The recent attack on Sudan's Zamzam camp has left residents devastated, forcing thousands to undertake perilous journeys for their survival. Families are enduring dire conditions as they escape violence, theft, and loss, with many unsure of the fate of loved ones left behind.
Desperate Flight from the Flames: Sudan’s Zamzam Camp in Ruins
Desperate Flight from the Flames: Sudan’s Zamzam Camp in Ruins
The turmoil in Sudan has forced thousands to flee the destruction of the Zamzam camp, as families like Fathiya Mohammed’s face unimaginable hardships in their search for safety.
In the wake of devastating assaults by paramilitary forces, the Zamzam camp, home to 700,000 internally displaced individuals, has been rendered nearly uninhabitable. Since the civil war escalated, these families have faced constant threats, with many seeking refuge in what was once considered a safe space. Last week, the situation reached a crisis point when the camp was attacked by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), seeking to gain control over the nearby city of el-Fasher.
Fathiya Mohammed, a mother of two, described her harrowing escape after losing her husband during the chaos. The 28-year-old walked barefoot for days, carrying her children and belongings, all while fending off thieves. “We were attacked multiple times,” she recounted. “No living creature left to help.”
Saadiya Adam, another survivor, lamented the loss of her home. Having lived in Zamzam for just two months, she fled after witnessing her house and livestock burn. Like many others, she arrived in Tawila with nothing but the clothes on her back, joined by thousands of fellow camp residents who fled for their lives.
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders reported that Tawila's facilities are overwhelmed, as over 20,000 displaced individuals sought medical care after reaching the town. The injuries reflect the horror of their escape, with many suffering from gunshot wounds. Head nurse Tiphaine Salmon shared the grim reality of treating victims, including a seven-month-old baby injured during the attack.
Satellite imagery confirmed the extent of the destruction, showing RSF vehicles and significant damage across the camp. Despite their actions being denied by the RSF, testimony from survivors paints a clear picture of the violence and chaos that ensued.
With an uncertain future ahead, displaced families like Ms. Mohammed's are left grappling with loss. "Everything I owned has been burned,” she said, identifying a collective yearning for peace amidst ongoing conflict. As the RSF threatens to expand its control and potentially establish a separate government, the plight of those in Zamzam and surrounding areas continues to evoke alarm and calls for urgent humanitarian assistance.
