RSF Violence Claims Over 85 Lives in Khartoum
In a shocking turn of events, the Sudanese paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has been accused of killing at least 85 people in a week-long series of attacks south of Khartoum. According to reports from an activist group, the violence has been ongoing for seven consecutive days, primarily targeting villages near Jebel Awliya. This area has seen a significant rise in fatalities and injuries as the RSF continues its assault on local communities.
The Sudanese resistance committee, which refers to the RSF by its historical name, Janjaweed, reported that these attacks have resulted not just in deaths but also in numerous injuries, with dozens more being harmed in the onslaught. The Emergency Lawyers organization, a coalition of volunteer legal experts, noted that over 15 villages were attacked in this region, marking a harrowing escalation in the violence that has gripped Sudan.
Ongoing Conflict Between RSF and Sudanese Army
The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has been embroiled in a violent conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023. The army is commanded by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s de facto leader. Just last Thursday, the army declared that it had regained full control of Khartoum, following Burhan’s assertion that the city had been ‘liberated’ from RSF control. This statement highlights the volatile and shifting dynamics of power within the capital.
In response, Daglo admitted on Sunday that the RSF had indeed pulled back from Khartoum after a protracted and fierce battle with the army. However, despite these movements, the conflict has triggered severe humanitarian crises, with the United Nations labeling the situation as the worst for hunger and displacement globally.
Impact of the Conflict on Sudan’s Population
The ongoing clashes have displaced more than 12 million people, with tens of thousands reported dead. A UN-backed analysis has even confirmed the presence of famine in various regions of Sudan. These distressing developments have not only exacerbated the humanitarian situation but have also destabilized the country further.
Despite the army’s claims of regaining control over Khartoum, Sudan continues to be severely fragmented. The army maintains significant influence in the eastern and northern regions, while the RSF has consolidated its power over much of Darfur in the west and parts of the south. This division indicates a deepening rift in Sudan’s landscape, further complicating efforts towards peace and stability.
