Hundreds of Thousands Forced to Flee Renewed Violence in North Darfur
Renewed violence in Sudan’s North Darfur region has forced between 400,000 and 450,000 people to flee once again, as internally displaced persons (IDP) camps such as Zamzam and Abu Shouk came under attack. These camps had previously offered refuge to people who had already fled earlier waves of conflict.
According to the Office of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, many of the newly displaced are now seeking safety in the town of Tawila, the remote and rugged Jebel Marra area, or other isolated regions far from essential services such as clean water, food, and healthcare.
“These population movements are increasingly fluid, unpredictable, and driven by continuing hostilities and growing fears of a wider assault on El Fasher,” said Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, in a statement on Sunday.
She added, “The scale and severity of the attacks – particularly those involving civilians, IDPs, and humanitarian workers – are deeply troubling. Civilians must never be targeted.”
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
The latest displacements come in the wake of violent assaults reportedly carried out earlier this month by troops affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and the city of El Fasher. These coordinated attacks killed hundreds, including children and humanitarian aid workers.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, has spiraled into one of the gravest humanitarian crises in the world. Over 12.4 million people have been displaced so far, with more than 3.3 million having crossed into neighboring countries. Countless others have been killed, with the Darfur region particularly devastated by the fighting.
Disrupted Supply Lines and Growing Food Insecurity
Compounding the crisis is the collapse of supply chains and rising levels of food insecurity, particularly among displaced populations who are increasingly cut off from humanitarian aid.
Nkweta-Salami warned of the growing risk of malnutrition, famine, and disease outbreaks, as access to El Fasher and surrounding areas remains severely restricted due to insecurity. She also noted that the humanitarian response is being stretched to its limits, with limited funding hampering operations.
“The humanitarian system is currently overstretched,” she emphasized, urging donors to provide urgent, flexible support through mechanisms like the Sudan Humanitarian Fund. “This funding is vital for supporting first responders, delivering life-saving supplies, and maintaining emergency relief operations.”
Tensions Rise in West Darfur
Further destabilizing the region, intercommunal clashes have erupted in West Darfur. According to a recent report from the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), an attack by Arab tribesmen in Jebel Moon locality displaced at least 146 households.
“The situation remains tense and unpredictable,” IOM reported. Many of those displaced in West Darfur have fled across the border into Chad. Security concerns have so far limited efforts to verify exact displacement figures.
As the crisis deepens, humanitarian organizations continue to stress the urgent need for access, safety, and funding to assist millions of vulnerable civilians caught in the crossfire of Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
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