In brief
The recent assault on Sudan's Zamzam camp by paramilitary forces has forced an exodus of its residents, many now suffering from dire conditions as they seek refuge in the nearby town of Tawila. Among them is Fathiya Mohammed, who endured a harrowing journey with her children, highlighting the overwhelming human cost of ongoing conflict in the region.
Amidst the chaos in Sudan, the Zamzam camp, home to 700,000 internally displaced people, has fallen victim to violent attacks by paramilitary fighters. Fathiya Mohammed, a mother of two, shares her heart-wrenching experience of fleeing the camp, where many had sought refuge after being displaced by years of conflict in the Darfur region. The camp was recently targeted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in their efforts to control the city of el-Fasher, leading to widespread destruction. Ibrahim Khater, North Darfur Health Minister, described the camp as "completely destroyed," leaving its residents in peril. Fathiya, who had lived in Zamzam for three months, faced unimaginable challenges as she fled barefoot for four days carrying her children and essential belongings. Tragically, she lost her husband during the tumult of the attack and remains unaware of his fate. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that tens of thousands have escaped to Tawila since the assault. Saadiya Adam also fled the camp, tragically losing all her possessions in the fire set by attackers. Tawila, now inundated with refugees, struggles with overwhelmed medical facilities as gunshot victims flood in. Head nurse Tiphaine Salmon recounted the horrible reality of treating victims, including a seven-month-old baby with gunshot wounds. Injured individuals like Issa Abdullah and Hussein Khamis detail their frightening experiences during the assault, with many having been robbed on their perilous journey to safety.The RSF has denied allegations of atrocities but remains a significant force in the region, controlling much of western Sudan. Amidst these events, citizens like Fathiya express a desperate plea for peace—a longing for an end to the war that has devastated their lives and homes.
