Darfur Conflict: RSF Attacks Claim 14 Lives in Camp
At least 14 people lost their lives on Wednesday as a result of artillery shelling carried out by Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in the Abu Shouk displacement camp. This camp has been severely affected by famine and is home to some of the many individuals displaced by ongoing violence. Volunteer rescuers reported the casualties, detailing how the attack targeted both market areas and residential zones within the camp.
The local Emergency Response Room, which is among the numerous organizations providing critical aid on the ground, confirmed that the heavy artillery fire led to not only fatalities but also numerous injuries within the camp. Located near El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, Abu Shouk hosts tens of thousands of displaced individuals, each fleeing from previous conflicts as well as the current warfare that has engulfed the region.
Escalation of Violence in Darfur
The RSF’s violent actions have intensified since they lost control of Khartoum in March, leading to a surge in attacks on El-Fasher, the last state capital in Darfur still under military oversight. They have particularly focused their assaults on shelters like Abu Shouk, where many are seeking refuge from the chaos that reigns outside.
A tragic reminder of this ongoing violence occurred on May 18, with the Abu Shouk Emergency Response Room reporting another attack that resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, also attributed to the RSF. This relentless cycle of violence has caused unprecedented tragedies, contributing to the immense humanitarian crisis unfolding across Sudan.
Impact of the Conflict on Humanitarian Crisis
Since the beginning of the conflict in April 2023, the death toll has risen dramatically, causing tens of thousands to lose their lives. Additionally, approximately 13 million people have been displaced, creating the largest hunger and displacement crises in the world. The situation has spiraled out of control, drawing attention from various humanitarian organizations trying to provide aid to those affected.
The war has further fractured Sudan, with the army managing to retain power in the center, north, and east of the country, while the RSF maintains dominance over almost the entirety of Darfur. Their control extends into allied regions in the south, showcasing a country that remains deeply divided amid ongoing struggles for power and survival.
