By Mastora Bakhiet | Executive Director
Subject: Emergency Update – Famine and Devastation in El Fasher, Sudan
Dear GlobalGiving Team and Valued Donors,
We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership and unwavering support for the innocent civilians displaced by the ongoing violence in Sudan.
Three months ago, Darfur Women Network updated you about the impact of your generous support, which, enabled Darfur Women Network (DWN) launched a life-saving intervention to reach families trapped in seized areas of South Darfur. Our two courageous local teams delivered real food to the frontlines, replacing the non-nutritive substance umbaz that desperate families had resorted to eating. Your support made this possible—and saved lives.
Zamzam Camp Destroyed
Between April 10–12, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a devastating assault on Zamzam Camp. The camp was burned to the ground. Over 1,000 civilians were killed, including our beloved volunteers, and 9 of medical team, and a dedicated local doctor, Hanadi. Hundreds more were injured. RSF looted all food and medical supplies and destroyed what they could not take.
Survivors fled to El Fasher with nothing—many are now sheltering under trees or gathering in unsafe, makeshift areas without food, water, or protection, despite intensive drones over 300 attacks a day in addition to ground attacks.
Emergency Kitchens – 9,000 Fed
In early April, thanks to a timely disbursement from GlobalGiving, DWN was able to open two emergency community kitchens in El Fasher. These kitchens provided hot meals to over 9,000 people, including injured civilians, children, and elderly individuals—offering a moment of dignity and relief during the chaos of conflict.
However, the need continues to grow while our resources have run out. Without additional support, we cannot keep these kitchens open or continue delivering life-saving aid.
Current Conditions: Famine
El Fasher is now under siege. Food is nearly impossible to find, and prices are unaffordable. A bar of soap now costs 15 times more than in neighboring cities. The state of North Darfur is experiencing famine, as defined by the highest level of food insecurity:
“The inability to access food due to displacement, market collapse, poverty, and conflict—leading to hunger, malnutrition, and rising mortality, is a definition of famine.”
We are heartbroken to share that just yesterday, DWN lost a second volunteer, and drone killed him in a farm in El Fasher. He was deeply committed to his community and an invaluable member of our response efforts. May Allah, God, grant peace to his soul and strength to his family, his community, and all of us at DWN.
Our Plea
Our community is strong, and we have a recovery plan ready to move toward long-term development when peace returns—focusing on capacity building, agricultural cooperatives, and economic empowerment for women and youth. But first, we must survive this moment.
We humbly ask for your continued support to:
Your support is not only helping us survive—it is reminding survivors that they are not forgotten. Youe link:http://goto.gg/47978
With deepest gratitude and hope,
Mastora Y. Bakhiet
Founder & Executive Director
Darfur Women Network
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