The Impressive TimesUnited Nations, April 17 2025 :United Nations humanitarian officials voiced deep concern on Wednesday over the worsening conflict in Sudan, following alarming reports of brutal acts committed during the armed occupation of the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in and around El Fasher — the capital of North Darfur, located roughly 15 km from the stricken camp — are cause for urgent alarm.
“Local humanitarian partners have relayed horrifying accounts of atrocities following the takeover of Zamzam camp by armed factions,” OCHA stated. “Civilians, including aid workers, are allegedly being blocked from fleeing, while survivors report targeted killings, sexual violence, and widespread destruction of homes.”
When questioned about the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) establishing a rival administration to Sudan’s central government in Khartoum, UN Secretary-General’s Associate Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay emphasized that this move offers no path toward resolving the crisis. “Only inclusive, genuine dialogue can pave the way to peace in Sudan,” she said. “The international community must rally to support the Sudanese people in ending this nightmare and forming a credible transitional framework.”
Earlier reports revealed that approximately 400,000 of the estimated half a million people residing in Zamzam camp fled amid the assault by armed groups reportedly linked to the RSF militia. Many were seen escaping toward Jebel Marra and Tawila — areas west and southwest of El Fasher — despite escalating violence and insecurity.
“Operational challenges, extreme fuel shortages, and ongoing violence are severely disrupting relief efforts in El Fasher,” OCHA warned. “Healthcare delivery and access to clean water have been particularly crippled.”
Tremblay also noted drone attacks on power infrastructure in Khartoum State earlier this week, leaving large sections of Um Badda, Karrari, and Omdurman without electricity or safe drinking water. Aid organizations caution that most water treatment plants are now inoperative, and a major water station serving Atbara and Ad Damar urgently needs diesel to stay functional.
Tuesday marked two years since RSF forces first launched attacks in Khartoum, igniting a war that has killed nearly 30,000 people, displaced 13 million — including 4 million into neighboring countries — and left half of Sudan’s 50 million population facing food insecurity.
“Once again, OCHA urges all conflicting parties to respect civilian protection obligations and grant unhindered humanitarian access,” the agency said. “We also appeal for greater international support to maintain essential services and ensure life-saving aid reaches Sudan’s most vulnerable
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