Civilians near El Fasher, Sudan, are facing renewed assaults from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at the Zamzam displacement camp, home to over half a million individuals fleeing violence. Recently, many desperate people have reached Tawila, about 60 kilometres away, reporting appalling conditions in Zamzam, where hunger and deprivation are rampant.
Since May 2024, the RSF has imposed a siege around El Fasher, disrupting supplies and bombarding civilian areas while the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) seem to lack sufficient measures to protect the populace during confrontations. Past assaults on the Zamzam camp in February 2025 devastated vital infrastructure, previously safeguarded from conflict despite a declared famine.
The situation has worsened, resulting in relief organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the World Food Programme ceasing operations, leaving civilians in dire need without aid. Signs of a large-scale offensive have been evident, with deputy RSF leader Abdel Raheem Dagalo seen rallying forces in El Fasher, leading to tragic casualties, including children, in recent shelling incidents.
Warnings of mass violence preceded earlier attacks, notably in late 2023, which saw a horrific massacre in Ardamata, West Darfur. The UN Security Council condemned the RSF’s siege in June 2024, urging protection for civilians and safe access for aid. Sadly, these appeals have been disregarded by the RSF.
The looming threat of a significant assault on the civilian population is alarming. Immediate action is required from global leaders, especially from the UN Security Council, to impose sanctions on those responsible for the violence and to condemn countries enabling these violations against the arms embargo.
Reports indicate fresh assaults by Sudan’s RSF on the Zamzam camp, affecting over half a million displaced people. Desperate conditions have led many to flee to Tawila. The RSF’s ongoing siege and recent attacks have halted aid services, putting civilians at great risk. A response from global leaders and the UN Security Council is urgently needed to address the situation and impose necessary sanctions.
In summary, the escalating attacks on civilians in El Fasher necessitate urgent intervention from global leaders. The dire conditions in the Zamzam displacement camp and the failure of the RSF to heed international calls for restraint underline the critical need for sanctions and protection measures for those affected. Immediate and decisive actions can potentially safeguard the vulnerable populations in Sudan from impending disaster.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
