UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Shelling of the famine-hit Zamzam refugee camp in western Sudan has forced thousands of civilians to flee, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it has received reports of continuing shelling and insecurity in the camp for internally displaced persons (IDP).

The Zamzam camp, some 12 km south of El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur State, is one of the largest IDP camps in Darfur. According to the United Nations, the camp accommodates nearly 500,000 people due to ongoing clashes in El Fasher.

OCHA said the International Organization for Migration reported that on Wednesday, more than 2,100 people left Zamzam under fire, mainly for El Fasher and Dar as Salam in North Darfur State.

The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that any attacks on Zamzam could delay the arrival of aid convoys on their way to the camp, the only place in the world where famine is confirmed.

WFP recently delivered vital food supplies to Zamzam via the Adre border crossing with Chad, and all of the food was distributed to families. The agency said that a regular food and nutrition aid flow is the only way to stop famine and save lives.

According to the latest situation report issued by OCHA on Tuesday, the Zamzam violence erupted due to shelling and clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the camp and eastern neighborhoods of El Fasher town.

OCHA stressed that civilians sheltering in the Zamzam camp must be protected, and all parties have obligations. International humanitarian law requires constant care to spare civilians throughout military operations. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)