World Food Programme (WFP) forced to pause food distributions in Sudan’s Zamzam camp as fighting intensifies
Fierce battles at Zamzam camp in northern Darfur, Sudan, forced the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to temporarily stop distributing life-saving food and nutrition assistance in famine camps for displaced persons. Over the past two weeks, escalating violence has left WFP partners with no choice but to evacuate their employees to ensure safety.
“Without immediate help, thousands of desperate families in Zamzam could starve to death in the next few weeks,” said Laurent Bukera, regional director of East Africa and acting country director of Sudan. “We must restore life-saving assistance in and around Zamzam and provide it quickly and on a large scale. To this end, the battle must stop and the security assurances of humanitarian organizations must be granted.”
In February, WFP and its partners managed to provide food vouchers to 60,000 people, when a large number of shelling forced a suspension of aid operations earlier this month.
Food vouchers allow families to purchase necessary food supplies directly from local markets, such as cereals, beans, oils and salt, and the Food Commission helps in stock through its local private sector retail network.
Recent violence has destroyed Zamzam’s central market by shelling, prompting residents of the camp (estimated to be about 500,000) to stay away from access to basic food and supplies.
WFP and other partners have been working to provide food and nutrition assistance to displaced persons in and around North Darfur. These people will not be supported until WFP can safely resume activities and receive humanitarian assistance to the region.
The famine was confirmed in Zamzam last August. Since then, despite repeated attempts, WFP has managed to transport a convoy of humanitarian supplies to the camp. The poor road conditions during the rainy season, purposeful blockage of rapid support, and the rapid support forces fighting the SAF-affiliated joint forces along the route to Zamzam have frustrated many of the WFP’s attempts.
In the first half of 2024, the closure of the Adre border also prevented WFP from storing food in Zamzam, which means that in the later part of the year, it means consistent support.
“We will work to help millions of people facing famine or facing danger to Sudan, and we will not leave any firm efforts behind. We are trying all possible ways to bring important aid into the hands of those who are pending. ” Bukra said.
To help when insecurity prevents access, WFP launched an online self-registration link in North Darfur. The initiative helps ensure that people are getting much needed help when agencies must suspend their operations until conditions allow safe passage of humanitarian personnel and fleets.
WFP has made breakthroughs in support in difficult-to-reach areas in Sudan since the beginning of the war.
In 2024, WFP assistance is received every third of the risk of famine or famine. However, the visits are still sporadic, with 2 million people currently experiencing or on the brink of famine in 27 locations in Sudan. Regular monthly delivery to hungry communities is the only way to postpone the Sudanese famine.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the World Food Program (WFP).
