Sudan army bombs Darfur camp days after famine declaration

August 5, 2024 (EL FASHER) – Sudanese warplanes bombed a famine-hit camp for displaced people in North Darfur on Sunday evening, killing children and wounding others, a local aid group said.

The attack on Zamzam camp, which houses nearly half a million people, follows a declaration of famine in the area by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an initiative backed by UN agencies.

The General Coordination for Displaced and Refugee Camps, a local aid organisation, said two bombs were dropped on the camp on Sunday evening, destroying more than 20 homes and injuring four children.

The organisation condemned the attack as a war crime and called on the international community to protect civilians in Darfur.

“Targeting unarmed displaced people inside camps with bombs and explosives is a deliberate and cowardly act that has no justification,” the group said in a statement.

A Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces (GSLF)’s faction headed by Al-Taher Hajer, which is not involved in the ongoing conflict, also condemned the attack and warned against targeting displaced people.

The Sudanese military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Zamzam camp is located in an area of El Fasher that is controlled by both the military and allied armed groups. However, the GSLF of Hajer maintains a nearby military base.

Clashes between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group since April have killed thousands and displaced more than 4 million, according to the United Nations.

The conflict has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with many people struggling to access food, water and medical care.

The IPC said last week that famine had been declared in parts of North Darfur, including Zamzam camp, due to a lack of food and access to humanitarian aid.

(ST)