Zamzam in North Darfur refers to one of the largest internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Sudan’s troubled Darfur region, where hundreds of thousands of people have sought refuge from decades of conflict. Located about 15 kilometers south of the state capital El Fasher, Zamzam camp has become a symbol of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan. The camp was originally established to shelter those uprooted by earlier conflict in Darfur, but its population has swelled significantly since the outbreak of the broader Sudanese civil war in 2023. Today, the situation in Zamzam remains dire, with widespread food insecurity, violence, displacement, and blocked humanitarian access creating continual challenges for the people living there. Conditions in the camp illustrate the scale of suffering faced by many displaced Sudanese amid ongoing conflict in the region.
Location and Origins of Zamzam Camp
Zamzam camp sits in North Darfur state in western Sudan, close to the city of El Fasher. It was established in 2004 to accommodate people fleeing the earlier Darfur conflict, which erupted in the early 2000s when rebel movements took up arms against the Sudanese government, leading to widespread violence and displacement. Over time, Zamzam and nearby camps such as Abu Shouk became home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, including families who had lost homes, livelihoods, and community networks due to violence.
Growth of the Camp Population
Originally designed for a much smaller population, Zamzam grew rapidly as people continued to flee violence in other parts of Darfur and, later, during the nationwide conflict that erupted in 2023. By 2024, the camp housed approximately 500,000 residents, with numbers fluctuating upward as more people sought safety from shelling, militias, and deteriorating conditions in urban and rural areas.
Humanitarian Conditions in Zamzam
Conditions in Zamzam camp have been described by humanitarian agencies as catastrophic, particularly due to high levels of food insecurity, malnutrition, and limited access to essential services such as health care, clean water, and adequate shelter. Prior to the escalation of violence in 2023, aid agencies like the World Food Programme (WFP) and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provided periodic assistance to camp residents. However, the resumption of intense fighting and the blockades of humanitarian access have severely curtailed deliveries of food and medical supplies.
Food Insecurity and Famine Conditions
Multiple reports have highlighted extreme hunger in Zamzam, with the United Nations and other monitoring groups reporting famine conditions in parts of the camp. Thousands of desperate families have gone days or weeks without reliable food distributions, and malnutrition rates, especially for children and pregnant women, have reached alarming levels. The lack of sustained food aid, compounded by conflict that prevents consistent deliveries, has made Zamzam one of the most acute hunger crises in the region.
Health and Water Challenges
In addition to food shortages, residents in the camp face serious health challenges. Hospitals have often been overwhelmed or forced to close due to insecurity and lack of supplies. Clean water access remains limited in many camp sections, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases and additional health risks for vulnerable populations. Even before the latest escalation, clinics were few and under-resourced, and the conflict has only worsened these gaps in basic services.
Impact of the 2023-2025 Sudan Conflict
The ongoing Sudanese civil war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has had a profound impact on Zamzam camp. This broader conflict has drawn fighting closer to the Darfur region and disrupted what limited humanitarian support the area had previously received. El Fasher and its surroundings have been key battlegrounds for both sides, leaving civilians trapped in the middle. The presence of armed groups, shelling, and blockaded roads has made safe passage for aid extremely difficult, and many residents have experienced repeated displacement.
Violence and Attacks
Zamzam camp has seen violent assaults in the context of this war, particularly by the RSF, which has been accused by international observers and rights groups of targeting civilians, aid workers, and infrastructure in and around the camp. Reports have documented mass killings, looting, and shelling that have forced many residents to flee again, often toward neighboring localities such as Tawila or back toward El Fasher. These attacks have not only caused casualties and injuries but also led to the destruction of homes, markets, and essential buildings within the camp.
Mass Displacement and Survival Strategies
As violence intensified, many residents of Zamzam were forced to leave the camp in search of safety. Humanitarian reports indicate that up to 400,000 individuals were displaced from the camp following RSF offensives. Many walked long distances on foot or with limited transport, often carrying their few belongings, and sought shelter in other parts of Darfur, including Tawila and other towns or rural areas. The situation for these internally displaced people remains precarious, as they frequently find themselves in overcrowded conditions with limited access to food, water, and shelter.
Movement of People
Satellite imagery and independent analyses have confirmed large movements of displaced residents from Zamzam toward other parts of North Darfur. Many have traveled on foot or by cart, seeking areas perceived as safer, although insecurity often persists in host communities as resources are stretched thin. Continued displacement creates a cycle of vulnerability where individuals and families struggle to secure basic needs even after leaving the camp.
International Response and Humanitarian Access
International organizations, including the United Nations, humanitarian NGOs, and monitoring agencies, have repeatedly called for unimpeded access to Zamzam and other affected areas. Aid groups emphasize the urgent need to deliver food, medicine, and clean water to prevent further loss of life. However, ongoing fighting, blockaded roads, and security concerns have severely limited sustained humanitarian operations. The UN and partners continue to advocate for safe corridors and respect for international humanitarian law so that aid can reach those in desperate need.
Calls for Protection of Civilians
High-level officials and humanitarian coordinators have condemned the attacks on civilians and essential infrastructure. They stress the importance of protecting displaced people and allowing aid workers to operate without fear of violence. These calls highlight how critical international cooperation and pressure are to ensure that desperate populations receive lifesaving assistance amid the conflict.
Human Stories from Zamzam
Behind the statistics and headlines are the lived experiences of individuals and families who have endured unimaginable hardship. Residents of the camp, including children and the elderly, frequently recount stories of hunger, loss, and relentless insecurity. Many have lost loved ones to disease, malnutrition, or violence, while others speak of the daily struggle to find food and water. These personal accounts underscore the human dimension of what has become one of Sudan’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.
Children and Vulnerable Populations
Children in Zamzam are particularly vulnerable, facing high rates of malnutrition and limited access to education or safe spaces to play and learn. The lack of consistent health care puts them at greater risk of disease, while food shortages contribute to stunting, wasting, and other long-term health issues. Support for children and vulnerable groups remains a central concern for humanitarian agencies.
Zamzam in North Darfur represents a stark example of the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on vulnerable populations. Once a refuge for people fleeing violence in Darfur, the camp itself has become a site of crisis, with famine conditions, displacement, and ongoing insecurity threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands. Humanitarian access continues to be severely restricted, compounding the suffering of those who remain. While international calls for protection and aid persist, the situation for those from Zamzam underscores the urgent need for peace, security, and sustained humanitarian efforts in Sudan. The fate of Zamzam’s residents reflects broader struggles faced across the region as conflict and deprivation persist.