Shelling by paramilitary forces in Sudan has claimed the lives of at least 15 civilians in a displaced persons’ camp in Darfur, with additional reports indicating that 25 more individuals were wounded in the attack. This incident occurred as fighting intensified for control over key areas in the region, particularly around El-Fasher, the last city in Darfur that remains under the control of the regular army.
The attack was carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) using 120mm and 82mm cannons, targeting the Abu Shouk camp as well as the nearby Nifasha market. The dire situation in Darfur is especially troubling as densely populated camps for displaced individuals have been heavily affected during nearly two years of conflict between rival military factions in Sudan.
The RSF announced on the same day that they had successfully captured the town of Um Kadadah, which is strategically located along the road to El-Fasher. An RSF spokesman claimed control over the town and stated that dozens of their forces had been lost in the ongoing fighting. The regular army has not yet provided a response to these developments.
This surge in violence follows a shelling incident that resulted in 12 deaths in the besieged city of El-Fasher just a day prior, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The conflict has left tens of thousands dead and displaced over 12 million people since it erupted into open warfare in April 2023.
Amid the escalating violence, famine has been declared in parts of Darfur, particularly in displacement camps surrounding El-Fasher. The situation is causing grave concern among humanitarian organizations; a recent assessment by a UN-backed initiative warned that famine is likely to spread further in the region. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that over 4,000 people have been newly displaced in North Darfur in just the past week due to the conflict.
In light of these developments, there have been international calls for a return to peace talks between the conflicting parties. The United States and Saudi Arabian foreign ministers recently convened in Washington, advocating for negotiations that prioritize civilian protection, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and a restoration of civilian governance in Sudan.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also raised alarm over the catastrophic humanitarian conditions, highlighting a “glaring lack of respect” for international humanitarian law, which it argues has contributed to the deteriorating crisis. The organization warns that the international community must not disregard Sudan, as millions of lives and the broader stability of the region hang in the balance.
