INGOs in Sudan condemn the Killing of Civilians and Aid Workers in ZamZam Camp, Abu Shouk and Al Fasher

Port Sudan (April 12, 2025) - The Sudan INGO Forum is outraged by the brutal killing of civilians and nine aid workers in ZamZam camp, Abu Shouk camp and Al Fasher, North Darfur.

For nearly a year, people in ZamZam camp, Abu Shouk camp and Al Fasher town have lived under siege—cut off, starved, and terrorised. Over the past four months they have endured relentless attacks, including artillery shelling and ground incursions that have killed, wounded or displaced countless civilians.

On April 11, 2025, over 100 people, including more than 20 children, were reported killed, community kitchen facilities were burned to the ground and women volunteers killed inside. Deliberate assaults by RSF on a medical center in the camp resulted in the killing of nine Sudanese aid workers from Relief International. We express our absolute outrage at these deliberate and barbaric acts of violence. We honour the lives and memories of our colleagues who remained in Zamzam —risking everything to support communities already pushed to the brink. Their humanity, courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten. 

What is happening in ZamZam, Abu Shouk camp and Al Fasher is not just a tragedy—it is an atrocity. Civilians are being starved, slaughtered, and prevented from fleeing. Aid workers and local volunteer responders are being hunted. This is a blatant, repeated violation of international humanitarian law. The INGO forum condemns these actions that are continuing unabated. In 2024, 54 aid workers were killed in the conflict - 98% of these being Sudanese. This must not be allowed to continue. 

We demand an immediate end to this carnage. Conflict actors must cease attacks on civilians and aid workers and fulfil their obligations under IHL to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to facilitate aid access. They must also allow civilians safe passage if they chose to flee. Those responsible for violations must be held to account. 

As governments gather in London to address the crisis in Sudan on April 15, 2025, words of concern won’t be enough. We urge all member states to take decisive action and leverage their influence, diplomacy, and resources end these atrocities, protect civilians, and ensure accountability.

The people of Sudan, particularly those who continue to endure the horrors in North Darfur, deserve more than silence. They deserve solidarity, justice, and the restoration of their fundamental human rights.