Malnourished children in a famine-hit camp for war-displaced people in Sudan’s western region of Darfur are facing a critical situation, as an aid group has been forced to ration malnutrition treatment due to a blockade imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a notorious paramilitary group.
Doctors Without Borders reported that the RSF has blocked three trucks carrying lifesaving medical supplies, including therapeutic food, for al-Fasher city and the nearby Zamzam camp, where famine was confirmed last week. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which escalated in April last year, has led to devastating consequences, with thousands of casualties and widespread starvation.
The United Nations migration agency estimates that over 10 million people have been displaced since April 2023, with more than 2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The situation in Darfur has been particularly dire, with Zamzam camp now officially declared to be in a state of famine by international experts.
Famines are declared when a significant portion of the population lacks access to food, leading to severe malnutrition and potential death. In Zamzam camp, where hundreds of thousands are seeking shelter, the situation is dire, especially for children. Doctors Without Borders highlighted the overcrowded malnutrition ward in their field hospital, with a 126% bed occupancy rate.
The RSF's blockade of essential medical supplies in Kabkabiya has further exacerbated the crisis, forcing aid groups to limit the distribution of therapeutic food to children in the camp. The deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid puts the lives of thousands of children at risk, as they are deprived of life-saving treatment.
Despite the urgent need for assistance, there has been no immediate response from the RSF. The paramilitary group has maintained a siege on el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur, as part of its ongoing conflict with the Sudanese military and rebel groups.
The situation in Darfur remains critical, with the blockade hindering vital aid delivery and threatening the lives of vulnerable populations in the region.
