Violence Erupts in Sudan's Zamzam Camp, Displacing Thousands Amid Atrocities

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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.

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