In brief
More than 400 fatalities have been reported in Sudan's Darfur region due to intense assaults by the Rapid Support Forces, igniting a humanitarian crisis as locals flee to refugee camps. The civil conflict entered its third year, marking a grim milestone for the country.
More than 400 fatalities have been reported in Sudan's beleaguered Darfur region amid fierce clashes between the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army, according to the United Nations. The violence, described as an "intense ground and aerial assault," has primarily targeted refugee camps around the city of El-Fasher, the last major stronghold of the Sudanese military in Darfur. The ongoing power struggle between these factions has escalated since April 2023, leading to the displacement of millions and creating what the UN labels as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.Last week, the UN confirmed at least 148 killings over the span of three days; however, it warned that the actual figures could be markedly higher. UN spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani indicated their verification process remains in progress and does not encompass the violence that took place on Sunday. Among the deceased, at least nine humanitarian aid workers were reported killed. The two major refugee camps surrounding El-Fasher—Zamzam and Abu Shouk—are now home to more than 700,000 displaced individuals, many facing alarming conditions reminiscent of famine.In a statement, the RSF denied responsibility for any attacks against civilians, claiming that reports of killings in Zamzam were fabricated to tarnish their reputation. They asserted that they had successfully reclaimed the camp from the army, which they accused of converting it into a military outpost and employing civilians as "human shields."As the RSF maintains its siege around El-Fasher, observers express deep concern over the persistent violence that has characterized Sudan’s civil conflict, now nearing its third year. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has urged all involved parties to recommit to finding a viable resolution to the ongoing turmoil, stressing the need for immediate action to alleviate civilian suffering.
