Sudan Conflict: Artillery Shelling in Darfur Kills Civilians
In a tragic incident on Sunday, artillery shelling by paramilitary forces struck a bustling market and a nearby camp for displaced individuals in Sudan’s Darfur region, claiming the lives of six civilians, according to reports from local health volunteers. The Abu Shouk camp, situated on the outskirts of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, has been under siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since last May. This attack is part of the ongoing conflict that has gripped Sudan for nearly two years, pitting the RSF against the national army.
The local Emergency Response Room, which consists of numerous volunteer groups operating throughout the war-affected areas of Sudan, issued a statement saying, “This attack resulted in the deaths of six unarmed civilians so far, with additional injuries yet to be accounted for.” They emphasized that the shelling occurred during a time when civilians were shopping for essential items to celebrate Ramadan, further highlighting the tragedy of the situation. As the holy month commenced on Saturday, many in northeastern Africa continue to endure the harsh realities of war, hunger, and displacement.
Famine Threatens Displaced Populations
In December, a United Nations-backed assessment revealed that famine conditions had already taken hold in Abu Shouk and two other camps in the El-Fasher area, namely Al-Salam and Zamzam. Alarmingly, this situation is projected to worsen, with expectations of famine expanding to five additional regions, including El-Fasher city itself, by May. The humanitarian crisis in Darfur is exacerbated by ongoing conflict and instability, leaving many families without sufficient food and resources.
The RSF has managed to take control of much of the expansive western region of Darfur; however, they have faced significant resistance in El-Fasher, where army and allied forces have consistently pushed them back. This ongoing conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 12 million people, driving countless individuals to the brink of mass starvation.
Impact on Humanitarian Efforts
On Wednesday, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) announced a temporary suspension of its food and nutrition assistance in the Zamzam camp due to intense fighting in the area. This suspension poses dire consequences for the vulnerable populations relying on these life-saving resources. The ongoing violence disrupts not only aid distribution but also the essential services that many displaced families depend on for survival.
As the situation in Darfur continues to deteriorate, humanitarian organizations are increasingly challenged by the complexities of delivering aid amidst the conflict. The plight of civilians caught in the crossfire remains a pressing concern, with many advocating for a more robust international response to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
