The Rapid Support Forces’ shelling in North Darfur resulted in six fatalities at a displacement camp, intensifying the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. This conflict has led to significant civilian casualties and widespread displacement, with millions facing food insecurity and famine conditions.
On Wednesday, the shelling of a displacement camp in North Darfur, conducted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulted in the deaths of six individuals, according to reports from local activists. This violent occurrence was part of a larger conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese regular army, which has persisted since April 2023, leading to devastating humanitarian conditions.
The assault targeted the Abu Shouk camp and occurred as civilians were shopping for Ramadan supplies, raising concerns about the civilian toll of such military actions. The local resistance committee, a group coordinating humanitarian efforts across Sudan, noted that a previous day had also seen significant casualties, though the specific numbers could not be verified.
The RSF’s actions are part of an ongoing siege of El-Fasher, the last major state capital in Darfur controlled by the army, which is currently faced with multiple paramilitary attacks. As fighting continues, many civilians have been adversely affected by the relentless shelling, highlighting the dire consequences of this conflict.
In the broader context, the RSF has gained control over most of Darfur while the national army maintains authority over the eastern and northern parts of the country, alongside recent territorial advancements in Khartoum and central Sudan. The ongoing war has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives and has displaced over 12 million people, marking it as one of the most significant humanitarian crises in history.
In North Darfur, nearly 1.7 million individuals are currently displaced, with approximately two million facing severe food insecurity and 320,000 already experiencing famine-like conditions. The UN has indicated that three displacement camps near El-Fasher are facing famine, with expectations of its spread to additional areas by May.
The recent shelling of the Abu Shouk displacement camp by the RSF illustrates the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, exacerbated by the protracted conflict between paramilitary forces and the regular army. As the situation deteriorates, the impact on civilians is becoming increasingly severe, leading to widespread displacement and famine conditions. Addressing these challenges requires urgent international attention and intervention.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
