Sudanese Civilians Resort to Leaves and Charcoal to Survive After Zamzam Camp Massacre
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached horrifying new levels, as aid agencies report that displaced civilians are now eating leaves and charcoal to stay alive. This comes in the aftermath of a violent attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Zamzam displacement camp near the embattled city of el-Fasher in North Darfur.
Speaking to Noah Taylor of the Norwegian Refugee Council described the situation as “truly horrific,” highlighting that some refugees are dying of thirst upon arrival in Tawila, a small town 40 kilometers from the camp.
Many who managed to flee the burning camp — including women and children — faced brutal conditions on foot under extreme heat. “We’ve heard of a young girl who was raped repeatedly on her way from el-Fasher to Tawila and later died from her injuries,” Taylor said.
Zamzam Camp Destroyed
The Zamzam camp had been a temporary home for tens of thousands of people, many of whom had already fled previous waves of violence in Darfur over the last two decades. The RSF’s assault earlier this month left the camp completely destroyed, according to North Darfur Health Minister Ibrahim Khater.
The conflict between the RSF and Sudanese army has raged for two years, displacing more than 13 million people and killing tens of thousands. Aid agencies have labeled it the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
The RSF admits to attacking the Zamzam camp but denies committing any atrocities.
Tawila Overwhelmed
Taylor warned that Tawila is unable to cope with the influx of over 130,000 refugees, citing severe shortages of food, water, and medical support. Aid workers say conditions in the area are rapidly deteriorating, and access remains extremely limited due to security risks and lack of infrastructure.
Many of the newly displaced have spoken of burned homes, gunfire, and forced evictions, with some making the trek without supplies, only to find even more dire conditions awaiting them in towns like Tawila.
A Broader Collapse
El-Fasher, the last major city in Darfur under army control, is now under increasing threat as RSF forces continue their offensive. The total destruction of Zamzam camp and ongoing fighting has further destabilized the region and raised fears of a wider humanitarian catastrophe.
Despite international warnings and media coverage, funding gaps and logistical challenges continue to hamper aid delivery. Without immediate intervention, observers fear the death toll and displacement figures could rise dramatically in the coming weeks.
