Urgent: WFP Halts Food Aid in Sudan’s Zamzam Camp Amid Rising Violence – What It Means for Families in Crisis

In Port Sudan, fierce clashes in the Zamzam camp, located in North Darfur, have led the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to suspend food and nutrition aid. This camp is known for its vulnerable population facing famine. Recent violence has forced WFP’s partners to evacuate staff for their safety, leaving many families in a dire situation.

“If we don’t act quickly, thousands of families could face starvation in Zamzam,” warned Laurent Bukera, Regional Director for Eastern Africa and acting Country Director for Sudan. He emphasized the urgent need to safely resume aid delivery. However, peace must be re-established, and security assurances are necessary for humanitarian efforts to continue.

In February, WFP managed to provide food vouchers to only 60,000 people before violence interrupted the distributions. These vouchers are crucial as they allow families to buy basic necessities like cereals, pulses, and oil directly from local markets, which WFP supports by maintaining stock through local retailers.

The situation worsened when shelling destroyed Zamzam’s Central Market, making it even more difficult for the estimated 500,000 residents to access essential supplies.

Despite efforts, WFP has struggled to deliver aid to those in need. A severe famine was declared in Zamzam last August, yet only one convoy of humanitarian supplies has reached the camp since then. Challenges like bad road conditions during the rainy season, blockades by the Rapid Support Forces, and fighting along the route have hindered rescue efforts.

Additionally, the closure of the Adre border in early 2024 further complicated the situation by preventing WFP from stockpiling food for consistent support throughout the year.

“We are determined to help millions at risk of famine in Sudan. We’re exploring every option to deliver vital aid to those whose lives are in jeopardy,” Bukera affirmed.

To navigate the challenges of insecurity, WFP has introduced a digital cash transfer system in North Darfur, allowing individuals to self-register for aid. This initiative ensures that assistance reaches those in need, even when traditional distribution methods are impossible.

WFP has successfully reached remote areas in Sudan, including parts of Gezira State and Khartoum. However, despite these efforts, sporadic access remains a significant hurdle. Currently, two million people across 27 locations in Sudan are facing famine or are on the brink of it. Continuous monthly aid deliveries are vital to combat hunger in these communities.

The United Nations World Food Programme is the largest humanitarian organization globally. It works to save lives in emergencies and uses food assistance to help build stability and recovery for those affected by conflict, disasters, and climate change.

This article was originally published on WFP.org.