The Al-Manar displacement camp in East Darfur State, Sudan, is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. Leaders of the camp have raised concerns over inadequate humanitarian assistance, severe drinking water shortages, and growing cases of malnutrition among children. They have called for urgent intervention by humanitarian organizations to protect vulnerable groups. The camp was established in 2024 and has grown rapidly, with approximately 1,150 people seeking refuge.
Displaced woman Fatima Ali Ibrahim highlighted the desperate need for necessities and shelter at the camp. She stated that residents require food, drinking water, and plastic sheeting, as some new arrivals have no shelter. Ibrahim also mentioned that monthly relief supplies are insufficient to meet residents' needs, particularly after an influx of newly displaced families in September. She urged for the urgent distribution of food baskets to help save children affected by widespread malnutrition.
Community leader Musa Hammad Mohamed Al-Rihima provided more context on the camp's situation. He explained that the settlement began with 20 families fleeing El Fasher and has since grown rapidly. New arrivals from other localities continue to seek refuge at the camp due to inadequate rainfall and failed harvests, further straining food supplies. Al-Rihima lamented that current assistance from humanitarian organizations and local initiatives covers less than a quarter of the displaced people's needs.
The situation at Al-Manar camp is exacerbated by poor living conditions. Displaced woman Umm-Kulthum Al-Sadiq Sheikh Al-Din complained about the shortage of latrines and the lack of sanitary pads for women of reproductive age. She called for the provision of additional latrines, clean water, and soap to help prevent the spread of disease in the camp. Al-Din also highlighted the challenges posed by food shortages and the continued arrival of new waves of displaced people.
The camp's residents are resorting to extreme measures to access basic necessities. Al-Rihima mentioned that people are now drinking water from stagnant pools due to the severe shortage of clean drinking water. This situation has raised concerns about the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases. The leaders of the camp and displaced residents are appealing to international humanitarian organizations and charitable groups to intervene urgently.
The crisis at Al-Manar camp is a result of a combination of factors, including conflict, inadequate rainfall, and failed harvests. The camp's population continues to grow as more people flee their homes in search of safety and basic necessities. The humanitarian situation at the camp requires immediate attention and intervention to prevent further deterioration.
The humanitarian organizations and local initiatives are urged to provide urgent assistance to the camp. The assistance should include food, clean drinking water, shelter, and medical care to address the growing cases of malnutrition and prevent the spread of diseases.
Key points
- The Al-Manar camp in East Darfur faces severe food and water shortages, leading to growing malnutrition cases among children.
- The camp's population has grown rapidly, with approximately 1,150 people seeking refuge.
- Humanitarian organizations are urged to intervene urgently to alleviate the worsening conditions.
