Paramilitary shelling by the RSF in Sudan’s Abu Shouk camp resulted in six fatalities amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The RSF has intensified its conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement. Nearly two million people face extreme food insecurity, and famine conditions are prevalent in three camps, with projections indicating further spread by May.
In a tragic incident on Wednesday, paramilitary shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) struck a displacement camp near El-Fasher, North Darfur, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, according to Sudanese activists. The RSF has been engaged in a violent conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023, intensifying attacks on the Abu Shouk camp during the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The shelling of Abu Shouk coincided with recent reports of 80 casualties from earlier artillery fire. The RSF initiated its offensive on the displacement camp on Sunday, which marked the start of Ramadan, when local civilians were shopping for supplies. The assaults target both the camp and a nearby market, further escalating the dire situation for civilians caught in the conflict.
Currently, the RSF maintains a siege around El-Fasher, the last state capital in Darfur under army control, leading to intensified military clashes. Civilians are increasingly suffering as both the RSF and army continue to engage in this brutal warfare, exacerbating their already dire humanitarian condition.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 12 million people, marking it as one of the most severe humanitarian crises to date, as stated by the International Rescue Committee. In fact, 1.7 million are displaced in North Darfur alone, with around two million facing extreme food insecurity and 320,000 experiencing famine conditions, according to current United Nations estimates.
Famine has significantly impacted the three displacement camps surrounding El-Fasher—Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and Al-Salam—and projections indicate that the famine may extend to five additional areas, including El-Fasher itself, by May. This dire situation necessitates urgent attention to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations.
The recent paramilitary shelling near El-Fasher highlights the ongoing crisis in Sudan, characterized by significant civilian casualties and escalating humanitarian needs. With famine conditions worsening and millions displaced, the dire situation necessitates immediate international attention to mitigate the challenges faced by affected populations and to seek resolutions to the conflict. Continued military activity further complicates efforts to address these humanitarian needs.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
