Rising Death Toll in Sudan Conflict
At least 33 people have tragically lost their lives in recent attacks in Sudan, which are attributed to the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This combat has intensified since April 2023, as the RSF has been engaged in a relentless conflict with the nation’s army. First responders reported these casualties on Saturday, highlighting the ongoing and devastating impact of the violence.
The escalation of violence includes a series of drone strikes carried out by the RSF that have targeted the wartime capital, Port Sudan, for six consecutive days. These attacks have not only caused civilian deaths but have also severely damaged critical infrastructure, including the power grid, further unsettling the region.
Deadly Airstrike on Displacement Camp
A horrifying incident occurred on Friday evening, resulting in the death of at least 14 members of the same family in an airstrike at a displacement camp located in Darfur. Reports from a rescue group indicate that the camp came under heavy bombardment from the RSF, leading to multiple injuries among the residents.
The Abu Shouk camp, situated near El-Fasher—the last state capital in Darfur that remains outside RSF control—has been grappling with severe famine, according to the United Nations. This camp serves as a refuge for tens of thousands of individuals who have fled ongoing violence in the region, showcasing the dire humanitarian situation that has developed since the conflict began.
Continued Assaults on Vulnerable Populations
In the days leading up to the fatal airstrike, the Abu Shouk camp had already faced relentless shelling from RSF forces, exacerbating the suffering of its inhabitants. This camp is notably close to Zamzam camp, which was overtaken by the RSF in April following a brutal offensive that left it nearly empty. Before the conflict, nearly one million people sought safety in Zamzam camp.
The ramifications of these attacks extend beyond immediate casualties; the United Nations has raised alarms about the growing number of people affected by the conflict, with food insecurity and lack of medical supplies worsening the living conditions.
Prison Attack Leaves More Casualties
On Saturday, another tragic attack occurred when RSF forces struck a prison in El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, leading to at least 19 deaths and injuring 45 others. Medical sources confirmed that this assault was executed using an RSF drone, marking a new low in the already chaotic and violent landscape of the conflict.
Such strikes reveal the expanding reach of the RSF, which has altered the power dynamics within Sudan. The conflict originated from a rivalry between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, but has since evolved into a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
The United Nations has classified the ongoing situation as the world’s gravest humanitarian crisis, with rising concerns over civilian safety and welfare. As the country has experienced further division, the RSF has gained control over vast areas in the west and parts of the south, while the army retains authority over the north, east, and center.
This division not only highlights the severe instability gripping Sudan but also underlines the desperate need for international attention and assistance as millions find themselves in precarious conditions amid the violence.
