UN warns of deepening humanitarian crisis in North Darfur’s Zamzam

March 20, 2025 (UNITED NATIONS) – The humanitarian situation in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp for displaced people has severely deteriorated in recent days, with a tightening blockade cutting off vital supplies, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said that armed groups advancing towards El Fasher and Zamzam camp had reportedly gained control of surrounding routes. This has blocked the road between El Fasher and Zamzam, halting the movement of supplies and medical referrals, according to a humanitarian partner still operating in the camp.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the blockade had shut down all diesel-powered infrastructure, including boreholes, leaving only solar-powered systems operational. These, however, cannot meet the growing water demands, with camp residents reportedly waiting up to two days to fill a single container.

“Humanitarian partners say security concerns and fuel shortages have prevented water trucking, further exacerbating the crisis,” Haq said.

He added that there were reports of dozens of villages and markets being burned down in neighbouring towns during attacks on Wednesday, triggering mass displacement.

The ongoing siege on El Fasher and Zamzam is worsening conditions for displaced people, and severe shortages of supplies are deepening the humanitarian crisis, according to OCHA.

Aid workers have been forced to ration water and supplies to sustain operations. While some basic nutrition services remain operational in Zamzam, they could be suspended if an attack occurs. The main stabilization centre in the camp remains closed due to a lack of essential medical supplies, putting severely malnourished children at extreme risk.

Haq said that on Wednesday, in a meeting with aid organizations, administrative authorities in the town of Tawila, North Darfur, agreed to reopen roads to enable aid deliveries to Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps and displaced communities in El Fasher.

“We reiterate that an immediate de-escalation of hostilities is critical to ensure safe, timely and sustained access for life-saving humanitarian assistance and services,” Haq said. “All parties must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure that civilians are protected.”