Paramilitary Forces Storm Famine-Hit Displacement Camp in Sudan

A new analysis indicates that nearly 300 million people worldwide are at risk of death through starvation due to exacerbating factors such as conflict, humanitarian aid cuts, and climate crises. The Global Report on Food Crises reveals that the number of individuals facing "high levels of acute food insecurity" has surged to 295.3 million, marking the sixth consecutive annual increase. The report highlights that escalating conflicts and geopolitical tensions have pushed an additional 13.7 million people into chronic food insecurity over the past year. Notably, more than 95% of those in dire need are concentrated in war-torn regions such as the Gaza Strip and Sudan, where famine has been officially declared, impacting over 24 million people in Sudan alone. The situation in Gaza is particularly critical, with approximately 2.1 million Palestinians at "critical risk" of famine due to ongoing Israeli sanctions and lack of humanitarian access. The report also attributes worsening food security in 19 other nations to similar factors, emphasizing severe impacts in conflict-ridden areas like Myanmar and Nigeria.

Munzir, a Sudanese man separated from his family for two years due to the ongoing civil war, has finally returned home to Khartoum, thanks to the efforts of a charity and social media. According to local human rights groups, at least 50,000 individuals have been separated from their families since the war began in April 2023. Munzir was wounded by a stray bullet in army-controlled territory in Omdurman and spent time at a shelter for displaced patients following his injury. Mohamed Alfatih, head of the charity Resilience, organized a social media campaign to locate Munzir's family. Through this, they learned that his mother was in southern Khartoum. With diminishing hope and soaring anticipation, Munzir made his way home, witnessing both the beauty and devastation of his city along the way. Upon arrival, Munzir's mother, Khadija, was overwhelmed with joy, stating, "I've been waiting for him for so long." The reunion underscored a moment of relief amid the pervasive violence and uncertainty in Sudan.

A recent assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Sudan's Zamzam displacement camp has left at least 400 civilians dead and forced over 400,000 to flee, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The attack began on April 11, as RSF forces shelled the camp, home to 700,000 internally displaced people, and stormed in chanting racial slurs. Community organizer Mohamed* described the violence as "barbaric" and reported heavy resistance faced while attempting to seek medical assistance for injuries sustained during the attack. He revealed that nine staff members of Relief International were killed in the assault. As survivors fled towards El Fasher, 14 km away, or Tawila, 60 km west, many arrived dehydrated and in dire need of medical care, according to Medecins Sans Frontieres. Conditions in these locations remain dire, with skyrocketing food prices and a lack of resources further compounding the humanitarian crisis. Human rights advocates claim the RSF is using displaced persons as human shields, intensifying fears of targeted ethnic violence. A communications blackout has hindered the comprehensive assessment of the situation, complicating humanitarian responses.