Sudan’s army allies claim to have intercepted a military supply convoy intended for RSF in North Darfur, which RSF denies. The country is facing severe humanitarian issues, including a cholera outbreak and widespread displacement, with UN warnings of impending famine. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, raises concerns about human rights violations and escalating violence.
On Friday, the Sudanese army’s allied forces announced they intercepted a significant military supply convoy heading to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur. The Joint Forces included former rebel factions and alleged that the RSF intended to use the supplies for indiscriminate shelling in urban areas like Al-Fasher and camps for the displaced. The RSF refuted these claims, labeling them as false information according to Reuters, which could not independently confirm the allegations.
The intercepted supplies reportedly included 10,000 rounds of 40mm artillery shells, 12,000 howitzer shells, and various rockets. The Joint Forces also claimed to have engaged and neutralized foreign mercenaries associated with the supply convoy, which reportedly included Colombian nationals. This development highlights the ongoing conflict and challenges of verifying information in war-torn regions.
Amid these confrontations, Sudan is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, worsened by a cholera outbreak, as stated by Save the Children, with over 2,200 infections reported last week. The RSF has been active in attacking areas like the famine-stricken Zamzam camp while denying any assaults on civilians, claiming the Joint Forces are misusing human shields.
In a related statement, UN human rights chief Volker Turk warned of a potential escalation in violence and widespread starvation, characterizing the situation in Sudan as “the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophe.” He highlighted that over 600,000 individuals face starvation while millions have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, with 8.8 million in need of essential assistance.
According to Turk, without immediate humanitarian aid and efforts to reach a peaceful resolution, hundreds of thousands could die from starvation, and the situation could deteriorate further. The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in immense suffering, with accusations of war crimes stating that the RSF is exacerbating the crisis through violent actions and blocking aid deliveries.
The situation in Sudan remains dire with escalating hostilities between the army and the RSF, resulting in severe humanitarian crises and displacement. The Joint Forces’ interception of military supplies underscores ongoing tensions, while the UN’s alarm about a looming famine highlights urgent needs for humanitarian assistance. Without a resolution to the conflict, the risks of famine and widespread violence persist.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
