RSF Shelling of Sudan Camp Claims Six Lives Amid Ongoing Conflict

Shelling by the RSF killed six individuals at a displacement camp in North Darfur, amid ongoing conflict with the regular army. This violence coincides with Ramadan, as civilians were shopping when the attack occurred. The humanitarian crisis worsens, with millions displaced and suffering from extreme food insecurity.

On Wednesday, in a devastating incident, shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted a famine-hit displacement camp near El-Fasher, North Darfur, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives, as reported by Sudanese activists. The RSF, engaged in an ongoing conflict with the regular army since April 2023, intensified its assault on the Abu Shouk camp, according to the local resistance committee dedicated to providing aid in Sudan.

The RSF assault commenced on Sunday, coinciding with the start of Ramadan in the northeast African nation. Civilians, who were preparing for the holy month by shopping for supplies, found themselves caught in the crossfire of shelling, which also affected a nearby crowded market. Emergency responders indicated the incident marked a continuation of violence in the region, following reports of 80 casualties from artillery fire the previous day.

This violence occurs amidst the RSF’s protracted siege of El-Fasher, the last remaining city under army control in the expansive Darfur region. The conflict has led to significant fighting as army forces and their allies have consistently rebuffed repeated RSF attacks. Tragically, civilians continue to endure the consequences of this relentless violence, with the RSF currently maintaining control over most of Darfur while the army is more dominant in the east and north of Sudan.

The International Rescue Committee has described the war as resulting in the largest humanitarian crisis ever recorded, with tens of thousands dead and over 12 million individuals displaced. In North Darfur specifically, approximately 1.7 million people have been forced from their homes. The ongoing crisis has led to extreme food insecurity for around two million people, with 320,000 already experiencing famine conditions, according to United Nations estimates.

Famine conditions have affected three displacement camps surrounding El-Fasher: Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and Al-Salam. Moreover, predictions indicate that the crisis may extend to five additional areas, including El-Fasher itself, by May.

The tragic shelling of the Abu Shouk displacement camp by the RSF underscores the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, especially in the Darfur region. With soaring casualties and widespread displacement, the conflict has drawn international attention for its severe implications on civilian lives, food security, and overall stability in the region. Urgent humanitarian efforts are necessary to address the dire conditions faced by millions of affected individuals.

Original Source: www.newarab.com