CAFOD comments on famine declared in Darfur displacement camp

CAFOD has commented on the famine declared in one of Darfur's largest displacement sites: Zamzam camp near Al Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur, Sudan.

Kayode Akintola, Head of Region for Africa for the international aid agency CAFOD, said:

“The international community has failed to prevent a foreseeable tragedy in Sudan, marked by apathy and an inadequate humanitarian response. The situation in Zamzam is the only one that the IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) could independently verify, but the lack of data hides the true extent of this crisis.

“Only a third of the required funding has been met, and efficient solutions like cash assistance remain underfunded. If nothing changes, countless other communities across Sudan will starve to death amidst the world’s indifference. 

“Supply routes to the White Nile state are cut off, affecting IDPs (internally displaced people), refugees and host communities. The shortage of food and fuel means White Nile state could soon face famine where CAFOD is on the ground. We are working with partners to provide urgently needed cash voucher assistance for food, water and other necessities.

“To end this crisis, we urge the implementation of the Famine Review Committee’s recommendations, the cessation of attacks on civilians, and the opening of humanitarian corridors. The international community must also scale up efforts to end hostilities and ensure transparent, rapid funding to local responders and mutual aid initiatives.

“To address the crisis, conflict parties must halt attacks on civilians, open the Adre crossing, create humanitarian corridors, ease bureaucratic procedures, and ensure safe commercial supply routes. The humanitarian community should prioritise cash assistance, increase funding to local actors, and enhance coordination efforts. The international community must reconvene to scale up humanitarian response, ensure unfettered access, and urgently disperse pledged funds.”

ENDS

CAFOD has spokespeople from Sudan available. For media interviews and briefings contact: 

• Anil Ranchod: aranchod@cafod.org.uk, +44 (0)7969 984001   

• CAFOD out-of-hours media hotline: +44 (0)7919 301429.      

NOTES TO EDITORS   

• CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International. Working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion, or nationality. 

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• CAFOD has been working in Sudan since the 1970s supporting livelihood opportunities, particularly for smallholder farmers and women. CAFOD is on the ground in Sudan and neighbouring countries, working tirelessly alongside local partners to address urgent humanitarian needs.

• CAFOD has launched an emergency appeal to help people affected by the Sudan Crisis: cafod.org.uk/SudanAppeal