Sudanese Displaced Resort to Charcoal and Leaves Amid Dire Humanitarian Crisis

The Norwegian Refugee Council highlights the extreme conditions faced by displaced people in Sudan's Darfur region who are consuming leaves and charcoal to survive after fleeing the destruction of Zamzam camp. The ongoing conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, with thousands suffering from thirst, violence, and lack of basic necessities.

Sudanese people are resorting to eating leaves and charcoal to survive amidst a deteriorating humanitarian situation following violent attacks on displaced persons' camps near el-Fasher, according to an alarming report from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Noah Taylor, head of operations for the NRC, shared harrowing accounts of those fleeing the violence during an interview with the BBC.

Many civilians are attempting to reach Tawila in search of safety, but tragically, numerous individuals are perishing before they can complete the 40km (25 miles) journey, often succumbing to extreme thirst in blistering heat. Reports indicate that there are still bodies lingering along the route between el-Fasher and Tawila, highlighting the perilous conditions.

Mr. Taylor recounted a particularly distressing account of a young girl who traveled alone from el-Fasher and faced repeated assaults before dying from her injuries upon arrival in Tawila. The tumult in Darfur continues as the army and its paramilitary allies grapple with ongoing confrontations. The recent attack on the Zamzam camp, which had housed many residents for two decades after previous conflicts, has forced tens of thousands to flee.

Currently, Tawila is struggling to accommodate the influx of displaced persons, who now number between 130,000 and 150,000. Aid supplies are heavily insufficient, as Mr. Taylor pointed out, with the small town seeing minimal provisions of food and water. Survivors of the Zamzam attack have recounted their homes' destruction, threats of violence, and gunfire during their escape, while the RSF has admitted to attacking the camp but denies committing atrocities.

With tens of thousands dead and about 13 million people displaced over the past two years of conflict, the situation is being described by aid organizations as one of the worst humanitarian crises faced globally. The international community continues to grapple with the plight of those affected as they strive to provide essential support amidst the ongoing violence and instability.