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Sudan: Three weeks on from the deadly attack on Zamzam camp, thousands of people still displaced in Tawila

07 May 25

Sudan: Three weeks on from the deadly attack on Zamzam camp, thousands of people still displaced in Tawila

7 May 2025

Mariam holds Adam in her arms, in MSF health post in Tawila Umda. Adam was injured on the head by a bullet as him and his family were trying to flee from Zamzam camp. He’s part of the 138 children MSF treated for a gunshot wound, since April 11th. Caption
Mariam holds Adam in her arms, in MSF health post in Tawila Umda. Adam was injured on the head by a bullet as him and his family were trying to flee from Zamzam camp. He’s part of the 138 children MSF treated for a gunshot wound, since April 11th.
© Thibault Fendler/MSF

In Sudan, the ongoing conflict has rapidly escalated since April 2025, displacing thousands of people and severely disrupting humanitarian aid efforts. The recent attack on Zamzam Camp in Tawila has left many families without shelter, food, or access to healthcare. MSF teams are on the ground providing essential medical assistance and humanitarian aid, but the situation continues to worsen as violence spreads across the region.

 

What's Happening in Sudan?
 

The conflict in Sudan has been escalating since 2023, primarily driven by political instability and ethnic tensions. These issues have led to widespread violence and the displacement of over 1 million people. In Tawila, the attack on Zamzam Camp has further strained an already fragile humanitarian situation, with families forced to flee and seek refuge in overcrowded shelters. MSF has been working to provide medical care and other essential aid in the region.


Escalation and Impact:

In recent weeks, fighting between armed groups and government forces has intensified, especially in the Darfur region. This has led to a surge in casualties and further displacement, compounding the challenges faced by MSF teams who are striving to deliver life-saving support.

 

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Medical Needs Due to the Situation
 

The people affected by the violence in Zamzam Camp are facing severe medical challenges, including war-related injuries, malnutrition, and the spread of infectious diseases. Diseases like cholera and malaria have been exacerbated by the lack of clean water and overcrowded living conditions. MSF is focused on providing medical care, including trauma treatment, malnutrition management, and disease prevention.

 

Specific Medical Conditions and Needs:


•    Malnutrition: A significant number of children are suffering from malnutrition due to food shortages and lack of medical care.


•    Disease Outbreaks: The risk of diseases like cholera and malaria is rapidly increasing in the overcrowded camps. MSF is working to control these outbreaks through vaccination and treatment programs.


•    Injuries & Trauma: As violence continues, MSF teams are providing emergency care for those injured by bombs, gunshots, and other forms of violence.

 

Dr Abubaker Abdalla, Medical activity manager, readjust the dressing a gunshot wounded patient, in what used to be the isolation room of Tawila hospital. To face the massive influx of “red cases” patients following the attack on Zamzam camp, MSF teams had to considerably re-arranged the hospital, to double it’s bed capacity. Caption
Dr Abubaker Abdalla, Medical activity manager, readjust the dressing a gunshot wounded patient, in what used to be the isolation room of Tawila hospital. To face the massive influx of “red cases” patients following the attack on Zamzam camp, MSF teams had to considerably re-arranged the hospital, to double it’s bed capacity.
© Thibault Fendler/MSF

MSF's Response to the Crisis in Sudan

 

MSF has deployed medical teams to Tawila and surrounding areas, offering emergency healthcare services through both mobile clinics and established hospitals. MSF is providing life-saving medical treatment, including:


•    Trauma care for those injured in the violence.


•    Treatment for disease outbreaks like cholera and malaria.


•    Provision of food, clean water, and hygiene kits to displaced families.

 

Hassania surrounded by a few of the family members she managed to escape with from Zamzam camp with. They are now part of the tens of thousands of people who pitched a makeshift shelter on the site of Tawila Umda, in a desperate wait that more humanitarian aid will come soon. Caption
Hassania surrounded by a few of the family members she managed to escape with from Zamzam camp with. They are now part of the tens of thousands of people who pitched a makeshift shelter on the site of Tawila Umda, in a desperate wait that more humanitarian aid will come soon.
© Thibault Fendler/MSF

Challenges MSF Faces:
 

Despite the growing need for aid, MSF faces significant challenges in reaching affected populations due to security risks, blocked roads, and limited access to areas impacted by violence. These constraints hinder MSF’s ability to scale up its operations and deliver essential care to those in need.


Your support is crucial to our efforts in Sudan. By donating to MSF, you can help provide:
 

•    Emergency medical care to those injured.


•    Nutritional support for malnourished children.


•    Clean water and sanitation for displaced families.

 

Dr Abdel Mafid examines an elderly woman, in MSF health post in Tawila Umda. As many, she arrived to the small medical facility in an advanced states of dehydration and exhaustion. Caption
Dr Abdel Mafid examines an elderly woman, in MSF health post in Tawila Umda. As many, she arrived to the small medical facility in an advanced states of dehydration and exhaustion.
© Thibault Fendler/MSF

Timeline of Key Events


•    April 2025: Attack on Zamzam Camp in Tawila, leading to the displacement of thousands.


•    April 2025: MSF deploys medical teams to provide emergency care and humanitarian support.


•    May 2025: Intensifying violence disrupts access to health services and exacerbates the refugee crisis.
 


More Information on Sudan & Related Issues
 

For more in-depth coverage on the situation in Sudan and MSF’s response efforts, visit the following pages:


•   Sudan Crisis


•   MSF's Work in conflict and war


•   Support MSF's Sudan Fund


The ongoing crisis in Sudan requires urgent international attention. MSF is committed to providing medical care and support to the people of Tawila and Zamzam Camp. With your help, we can continue to save lives and alleviate suffering. Please consider making a donation to support our work in this critical time.
 

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