Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has pulled out of a famine-stricken camp in Sudan’s North Darfur due to escalating violence.
The humanitarian group was one of the last organizations providing aid at the besieged Zamzam camp, home to approximately 500,000 displaced individuals.
MSF had operated a field hospital, offering life-saving treatment to victims.
Despite the dire need, the group announced the suspension of all operations, including the field hospital.
“We have no choice but to suspend our activities, despite the widespread starvation and severe humanitarian crisis,” MSF said in a statement.
The camp has been overwhelmed by hunger and violence since Sudan’s civil war erupted in April 2023.
Over the past month, MSF treated 139 patients with gunshot and shrapnel wounds. Tragically, 11 people died due to a lack of critical medical equipment, illustrating the dire situation on the ground.
Yahya Kalilah, MSF’s Head of Mission in Sudan, emphasized the challenges.
“The proximity of the fighting, difficulty sending supplies, and the inability to send experienced staff have left us with no viable options,” Kalilah stated.
The ongoing conflict between the RSF and General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s army has claimed tens of thousands of lives, plunged millions into hunger, and led to widespread famine across the region.
MSF’s withdrawal marks a devastating blow to the already strained humanitarian response in Darfur.
