Sudan Conflict Escalates: 15 Civilians Killed in Darfur
On Thursday, a tragic incident in a Darfur displaced persons’ camp has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians, according to a medical source cited by AFP. This violence escalated as conflict raged in the regions still under the control of the Sudanese army, marking a significant intensification of hostilities between rival forces. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, announced they had seized Um Kadadah, a crucial town that lies on the route to El-Fasher, the last city in Darfur held by government forces.
The RSF’s shelling targeted the Abu Shouk camp using heavy artillery, including 120mm and 82mm cannons, resulting in both fatalities and injuries. Reports indicate that 25 others were wounded in these attacks, which hit both the camp and the nearby Nifasha market. Conditions in these camps have been dire, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict that has plagued Sudan for nearly two years, especially with the Zamzam camp being among the first areas declared as famine-stricken.
Paramilitary Forces Expand Control in Darfur
Since losing control of Khartoum last month, the RSF has ramped up efforts to conquer more territory in Darfur, with officials claiming they now fully control Um Kadadah. An RSF spokesperson revealed that the capture of this strategic town was part of their broader offensive against the Sudanese Armed Forces, contributing to a drastically escalating toll of deaths among their ranks. However, the Sudanese army has yet to officially respond to these claims or the recent violence.
The RSF’s recent shelling of El-Fasher on Wednesday had already resulted in numerous civilian casualties, with at least 12 individuals reportedly losing their lives. The ongoing conflict, stemming from a struggle for power between military factions since April 2023, has been catastrophic, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing over 12 million people across the region.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis Amid Conflict
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is deepening, with famine declared in various areas, particularly within displacement camps around El-Fasher. A UN-backed assessment indicates that conditions are likely to deteriorate further, especially following the latest flare-ups of violence. An alarming report from the United Nations humanitarian office, OCHA, noted that over 4,000 individuals have been newly displaced in just the past week due to escalating violence in El-Fasher and the surrounding areas.
The RSF’s control extends to several southern regions, while the army has managed to reclaim Khartoum. However, the country remains divided, with ongoing strife among the factions. Despite early attempts by the US and Saudi Arabia to mediate, numerous ceasefires have faltered, leaving the situation unresolved.
International Response and Calls for Peace Talks
In light of the escalating violence, the foreign ministers of the United States and Saudi Arabia convened in Washington on Wednesday. They expressed their commitment to resuming peace talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The ministers emphasized the urgent need for protecting civilians, establishing humanitarian corridors, and restoring civilian governance as critical steps forward.
Moreover, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) released a report detailing the dire humanitarian conditions in Sudan following nearly two years of conflict. The report underscored a significant disregard for international humanitarian laws and warned that a drop in humanitarian funding could exacerbate the crisis even further. Daniel O’Malley, head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan, stressed the importance of international attention to prevent further deterioration, asserting that millions of lives are at risk alongside regional stability.
