MSF presses RSF for humanitarian access amid Zamzam camp crisis

August 29, 2024 (GENEVA) – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) met with representatives of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Geneva last week to advocate for improved humanitarian access in Sudan, the medical charity said on Thursday.

Despite RSF’s stated commitment to facilitate aid, MSF said its teams on the ground are still unable to retrieve two trucks carrying essential supplies held by RSF troops in Kabkabiya.

“As a result, we continue to struggle to provide lifesaving medical and nutritional care to our patients in Zamzam camp due to a lack of therapeutic food and other essential supplies,” MSF said in a statement.

The charity warned that it is running critically low on therapeutic food to treat malnourished children in Zamzam and may soon be forced to suspend services if supplies are not received promptly.

MSF said its International President relayed similar messages to the Government of Sudan during his first official trip to Port Sudan in July. The organization emphasized its commitment to communicating with all warring parties to ensure the safety of its teams and facilities, and to reach affected communities.

“In Sudan, we are one of a handful of international organizations that run humanitarian operations in areas under the control of both warring parties,” MSF said.

The blockade of the medical truck highlights the ongoing challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in Sudan, where conflict and insecurity continue to hamper efforts to provide aid to those in need.