At least 400 fatalities have been recorded following recent attacks in Sudan’s Darfur region, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis as millions continue to flee conflict-ridden areas.
Rising Death Toll: Over 400 Killed in Sudan’s Darfur Amid Ongoing Conflict
Rising Death Toll: Over 400 Killed in Sudan’s Darfur Amid Ongoing Conflict
The UN reports alarming casualties as Sudan’s humanitarian crisis deepens.
In a dire report released by the UN, more than 400 individuals have perished in recent attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's crisis-stricken Darfur region. This figure has emerged following a series of intense ground and aerial assaults on refugee camps near El-Fasher, as the RSF aims to take control of the last state capital still held by the Sudanese army.
The conflict, which has unfolded since April 2023, has been described as the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and straining resources. The UN confirms the verification of at least 148 killings that occurred between Thursday and Saturday while cautioning that this toll may be significantly understated, especially considering the ongoing violence. UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani highlighted that the reported figure of more than 400 casualties comes from credible sources and does not account for further violence on subsequent days.
Among the deceased, at least nine humanitarian aid workers have lost their lives, emphasizing the dangers faced by those attempting to provide relief in the region. The refugee camps of Zamzam and Abu Shouk, which surround El-Fasher, are home to over 700,000 displaced individuals, many of whom are dealing with severe food shortages reminiscent of famine conditions.
In response to the accusations, the RSF claimed responsibility for securing the camps but denied involvement in any attacks on civilians, alleging that scenes of violence in Zamzam were staged to tarnish its reputation. This group has accused the Sudanese army of exploiting civilians by using them as shields within the conflict.
El-Fasher, the last significant urban center in Darfur still controlled by the Sudanese military, has been under RSF siege for a year, raising fears as the civil war nears its third anniversary. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has urged all factions to recommit to efforts aimed at resolving the conflict and alleviating the suffering of affected populations.
