Sudan paramilitaries kill over 100 individuals in recent attack in Darfur, according to reports.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to intensify, with recent reports highlighting a tragic escalation in violence. Over a two-day period, the Sudanese paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched an assault on the Zamzam and Abu Shorouk camps, as well as the city of el-Fasher, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 individuals, including young children and nine aid workers. These details were confirmed by the United Nations, shedding light on the urgent humanitarian needs in the region.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, reported that both the Zamzam and Abu Shorouk camps have become essential havens for over 700,000 displaced individuals who fled their homes due to previous conflicts in Darfur. The camps are situated within North Darfur’s provincial capital and have been critical in providing refuge to those affected by persistent violence and instability.
Nkweta-Salami condemned the attacks, describing them as a “deadly and unacceptable escalation” against vulnerable populations and humanitarian workers. The recent assaults on Friday and Saturday only serve to exacerbate an already dire situation resulting from a conflict that has persisted for nearly two years. She urged those responsible for these actions to cease immediately.
Among the casualties were six medical professionals from Relief International who were at the forefront of providing essential health services in the region. The loss of these key workers underscores the significant challenges faced by organizations striving to deliver humanitarian assistance amid ongoing violence. The RSF has been accused of deliberately targeting health infrastructure, further complicating the critical efforts to address medical needs within the camps.
As famine concerns mount, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has identified Zamzam and Abu Shouk among five regions in Sudan where severe food shortages have been recorded. Currently, approximately 25 million people—half of Sudan’s population—are grappling with extreme hunger, marking the situation as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
In light of recent military advances by the army, the RSF has intensified its focus on el-Fasher, attempting to exert control over the last state capital in Darfur that remains outside its grasp. The current climate of fear and violence continues to undermine the stability and safety of those in Sudan, particularly women and girls, who are reportedly facing appalling levels of violence, including sexual assault, as highlighted in a recent Amnesty International report.
The international community watches closely as organizations and local partners work tirelessly to provide aid under increasingly dangerous circumstances. The resilience of displaced populations continues to be tested, highlighting a pressing need for comprehensive peace and support efforts in Sudan.
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