Sudan Denies Existence of Famine in North Darfur's Zamzam Camp

Sudan denied the existence of famine in North Darfur's Zamzam camp, despite a global food monitor confirming famine conditions. Over 15 months of conflict have left half the population needing aid. Médecins Sans Frontières warns of severe malnourishment among children, while Sudanese officials claim conditions don’t meet famine criteria.

Sudan on Sunday denied the existence of famine in North Darfur's Zamzam camp for internally displaced people, contradicting an aid group's warning about a severe shortage of specialized food for malnourished children.

On Thursday, a global food monitor found famine conditions in the Zamzam camp likely to persist until at least October, potentially triggering a U.N. Security Council resolution for cross-border relief. However, Sudanese officials argued such declarations could justify international intervention.

More than 15 months of conflict have created the world's most significant internal displacement crisis, with half of Sudan's population in urgent need of aid. Médecins Sans Frontières reported a child dying every two hours in the camp of half a million people. Despite this, Sudan's Federal Humanitarian Aid Commission stated that conditions do not meet the criteria for famine. The government blamed the RSF for a blockade causing shortages, while the RSF expressed solidarity and willingness to aid delivery.

(With inputs from agencies.)