Over 100 Feared Dead in Sudan as RSF Attacks Famine-Hit Camps in Darfur
More than 100 civilians, including at least 20 children, are feared dead after Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces allegedly launched coordinated attacks on famine-stricken camps in Darfur.
The United Nations said the RSF carried out “ground and aerial assaults” on the besieged city of El-Fasher and the Zamzam and Abou Shouk camps for internally displaced people in North Darfur. The attacks, which began Thursday and continued into Saturday, have reportedly resulted in widespread civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure.
UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) confirmed the targeting of critical areas, including homes, markets, and healthcare centres. At least 20 children are believed to be among the dead, according to preliminary reports.
Advocacy group General Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees described the onslaught as “a war crime and crime against humanity.”
In response, the RSF issued a statement on Saturday denying the allegations, particularly those related to Zamzam Camp. The paramilitary group accused the Sudanese army of fabricating evidence, including videos depicting civilian casualties, and using actors to stage scenes to tarnish the RSF’s image.
The RSF reiterated its “adherence to international humanitarian law,” claiming the army was attempting to deflect attention from its own abuses.
The ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the RSF and Sudan’s regular army, has already displaced over 8 million people and pushed parts of the country to the brink of famine. Darfur, long a hotspot for violence, has been among the worst affected.
Aid agencies have warned that continued fighting in civilian-populated areas like El-Fasher could trigger mass deaths from starvation, injury, and disease.
There has been no immediate global condemnation of the latest attacks, but the UN has called for “unhindered humanitarian access” and “accountability for those responsible.”
Human rights organisations continue to urge the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to pressure both sides into a ceasefire.
The Sudanese conflict has become one of the world’s fastest-growing humanitarian crises, with the UN repeatedly warning of looming famine, especially in besieged regions like Darfur.
