Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
Amid escalating violence in Sudan’s Darfur region, the United Nations reports that recent attacks attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have resulted in over 400 fatalities, citing credible sources. This surge in violence underscores the worsening humanitarian crisis in Darfur and the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Mounting Casualties in Darfur Conflict
The RSF initiated a heavy ground and aerial offensive last week targeting refugee settlements around El-Fasher. This strategic city is the final state capital in Darfur still under the control of the Sudanese army, their adversaries in the ongoing civil war.
Sudan has been gripped by a brutal power struggle between these warring factions since April 2023, precipitating a major humanitarian emergency and displacing millions from their residences.
UN Verification and Rising Death Toll
The UN has confirmed 148 deaths between Thursday and Saturday. However, officials caution that the actual figure is considerably higher and anticipated to rise as verification efforts continue.
Ravina Shamdasani, a UN spokesperson, informed the BBC that the ongoing verification process excludes casualties from Sunday’s unrest.
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“Reliable sources indicate the death toll exceeds 400,” Ms. Shamdasani stated, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Humanitarian Impact and Aid Worker Fatalities
Tragically, at least nine humanitarian workers are among those killed, according to UN reports, demonstrating the grave dangers faced by those providing essential aid.
The refugee camps encircling El-Fasher, notably Zamzam and Abu Shouk, are sheltering over 700,000 individuals. A significant portion of this vulnerable population is already grappling with near-famine conditions, exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe.
RSF Denials and Counter-Accusations
In a statement issued on Saturday, the RSF disclaimed responsibility for civilian attacks, alleging that scenes of carnage in Zamzam were fabricated to tarnish their reputation.
Subsequently, the RSF announced the “successful liberation” of the camp from Sudanese army control, accusing the army of utilizing Zamzam as a “military installation” and using civilians as “human shields.”
El-Fasher: A City Under Siege
El-Fasher remains the last major urban center in Darfur under army jurisdiction and has endured an RSF siege for a year, making it a critical flashpoint in the Sudan conflict. The nation’s protracted civil war is poised to enter its third year on Tuesday.
Call for Conflict Resolution
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged all involved parties to “recommit to taking meaningful steps towards resolving the conflict,” emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation and peaceful solutions in Sudan.