Sudan’s civil war took a perilous turn this week, as the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), a powerful paramilitary group, asserted the establishment of its own government amidst ongoing hostilities. In the western Darfur region, these developments coincided with a significant offensive on the Zamzam camp, prompting an exodus of civilians from the already famine-stricken site.
The R.S.F., led by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan, made headlines with its announcement of a “government of peace and unity,” aiming to reflect an array of ethnic groups—claims that resonate with many Sudanese pro-democracy activists who seek to dismantle the military's control over the nation. However, the paradox of the R.S.F.’s rhetoric and the brutal actions of its troops raises concerns about the group’s true intentions.
On Friday, the pressure ramped up as R.S.F. fighters launched an offensive on Zamzam camp in El Fasher, the last significant urban area not under their control. Reports from the United Nations indicate that at least 300 lives have been lost, with estimates showing that over 400,000 individuals have been forced to abandon their homes within mere days. The Zamzam camp, once hosting around 500,000 people, is now nearly deserted, following a declaration of famine last year.
Humanitarian workers report that at least 30,000 desperate individuals have made their way to Tawila, approximately 50 miles west, often arriving in a state of dehydration and shock after witnessing the catastrophic violence at the camp. The situation underscores a broader humanitarian crisis and raises fears of a division that could cement a devastating power struggle within the country.
The R.S.F., led by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan, made headlines with its announcement of a “government of peace and unity,” aiming to reflect an array of ethnic groups—claims that resonate with many Sudanese pro-democracy activists who seek to dismantle the military's control over the nation. However, the paradox of the R.S.F.’s rhetoric and the brutal actions of its troops raises concerns about the group’s true intentions.
On Friday, the pressure ramped up as R.S.F. fighters launched an offensive on Zamzam camp in El Fasher, the last significant urban area not under their control. Reports from the United Nations indicate that at least 300 lives have been lost, with estimates showing that over 400,000 individuals have been forced to abandon their homes within mere days. The Zamzam camp, once hosting around 500,000 people, is now nearly deserted, following a declaration of famine last year.
Humanitarian workers report that at least 30,000 desperate individuals have made their way to Tawila, approximately 50 miles west, often arriving in a state of dehydration and shock after witnessing the catastrophic violence at the camp. The situation underscores a broader humanitarian crisis and raises fears of a division that could cement a devastating power struggle within the country.
