Relief International is one of the few organizations still operating in North Darfur, Sudan. 16 months into the conflict which has devastated affected communities, North Darfur is one of the worst affected regions in the country. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 800,000 people are trapped in the region’s capital city El Fasher which has been under siege since May this year.
Communities are suffering from a severe lack of food, water, and critically needed medical care, and the situation has worsened even further over recent days. Whilst El Fasher has suffered artillery bombardments almost daily since May, missiles and military drones were used for the first time on Saturday and the region’s last remaining hospital suffered grave damage on Monday night. Severe storms have further worsened the situation and have damaged one of Relief International’s health facilities in Zamzam camp for displaced people.
Mark Atterton, Regional Director at Relief International says:
“The escalation in fighting that we are witnessing is extremely concerning. We didn’t think it was possible for the situation to get any worse but over the weekend, market areas were directly attacked with missiles and military drones.
“Devastatingly innocent civilians are being caught in the crossfire. Whilst statistics are difficult to confirm, it is estimated that 650 people have been killed and a further 6,000 people have been injured since the start of the siege on El Fasher in May. Last night, the last remaining hospital in the region, which already had very few supplies, was severely damaged further incapacitating the provision of critically needed medical care.
“The situation is being further complicated by severe storms which tragically claimed the lives of several people who were attempting to escape Saturday night’s attacks. The storm has also damaged one of Relief International’s health facilities in Zamzam camp for displaced people, which has been mostly washed away.
“Our brave colleagues are doing everything they can to continue providing vital health and nutrition support but the escalation in fighting, severe lack of supplies and extreme weather are making it very challenging.
“We are again calling for an immediate ceasefire and the rapid deployment of humanitarian aid. Conflicting parties must adhere to International Humanitarian Law to protect civilians, health facilities and aid workers. We must not forget the people of Sudan. This abject horror cannot continue.”
Peace talks are set to take place in Geneva on Wednesday 14 August.
About Relief International
Relief International is operating 31 health and nutrition facilities in North Darfur, including five in Zamzam camp.
Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Our team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers work in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience. We do this by working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive local programming that is evidence based, conflict sensitive, climate smart, and reaches those in need.
For more information, please contact [email protected].