More than 400 lives have been lost in a series of deadly assaults in Sudan’s Darfur region, reportedly carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to the UN.
The deadly escalation around El-Fasher signals a grim new phase in the ongoing rebel attacks in Sudan’s Darfur region. The RSF recently launched a combined ground and aerial offensive targeting refugee camps in the El-Fasher area – the last remaining Darfur state capital still under the control of the Sudanese army.
This assault has intensified the brutal civil conflict, which erupted in April 2023 and has since become one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, displacing millions of civilians.
The UN, citing “credible sources”, stated that it has confirmed at least 148 deaths between Thursday and Saturday. However, the organisation warned that the actual death toll is likely significantly higher.
Senior global officials are convening in London this week to deliberate on the Sudanese civil war as the conflict reaches its grim two-year milestone.
UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told the BBC their verification process is ongoing and does not yet account for Sunday’s fatalities.
“Credible sources have reported more than 400 killed,” said Ms Shamdasani. Among the victims were at least nine humanitarian aid workers, the UN confirmed.
El-Fasher’s surrounding camps, Zamzam and Abu Shouk, are home to more than 700,000 internally displaced people, many of whom are already enduring severe food shortages and near-famine conditions.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, the RSF has denied any involvement in attacks against civilians. In a statement issued Saturday, the group claimed that the widely circulated images and videos depicting violence in Zamzam were fabricated to undermine their credibility.
The following day, the RSF announced the “successful liberation” of the camp from government forces. They accused the Sudanese army of turning Zamzam into “a military barracks, and innocent civilians as human shields”.
El-Fasher has remained a crucial strategic stronghold for the Sudanese army and is now the last major city in Darfur under their control. The RSF has maintained a siege on the city for over a year.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk urged all factions to recommit to meaningful peace efforts. “Renew their resolve to take meaningful steps towards resolving the conflict,” Mr Türk appealed.
As part of efforts to address the worsening crisis, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has pledged £120 million in humanitarian support, which includes food and emergency aid.
He emphasised the broader importance of regional stability: “Sudan’s stability is vital for our national security.”
The UK will co-host the upcoming high-level talks on Sudan alongside the African Union and the European Union, seeking solutions to end the relentless violence and suffering.
