The Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has increased its attacks on the Zamzam refugee camp near el-Fasher, capital of the North Darfur state.
On Friday, residents and medics reported that the RSF attacked the camp, surrounding it three times within a week.
At least seven individuals lost their lives in the camp this week, as stated by Doctors Without Borders, known as MSF, noting that surgeries could not be performed in Zamzam.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations secretary-general, emphasized the use of heavy weapons in the renewed fighting and called for an end to the violence.
The RSF is attempting to tighten its control over its Darfur stronghold, facing challenges from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Khartoum.
‘They terrorise’
Almost 22 months since the conflict began in Sudan between the RSF and the SAF, the RSF still controls most of Darfur in the western part of Sudan and a significant portion of the neighboring Kordofan region.
The army maintains control over the north and east of Sudan and has recently made crucial advancements in Khartoum.
Zamzam hosts 500,000 displaced individuals due to conflicts in Darfur, while el-Fasher accommodates 1.8 million residents, serving as a major resistance against the RSF across Darfur.
The RSF has been besieging the area, claiming that the camp serves as a base for the Joint Forces, former rebel groups now supporting the army.
Amid constant attacks, some camp residents have created shelter holes underground for protection, fearing ongoing assaults, according to a resident and a video shared by activists.
“Inside the neighborhoods, they terrorize, loot, and commit murders … people seek refuge in these holes during attacks and raids because there is nowhere else to escape,” a camp resident told Reuters.
The top UN humanitarian official in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed shock over the attacks on Zamzam IDP camp and the blockage of escape routes.
Aid restrictions
The RSF has also limited aid operations in the camp, according to the UN and aid workers.
In August, a UN-backed report revealed the potential severe hunger crisis in North Darfur, especially in the Zamzam camp.
Following the recent violence, MSF had to halt a nutrition program for 6,000 malnourished children.
Earlier this month, the organization reported a rise in malnutrition rates among the camp’s children to 34 percent, similar to levels in the nearby town of Tawila, where many have sought refuge from RSF attacks.
During a humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Sudan as a catastrophic scenario of “staggering scale and brutality.”
He urged world leaders to amplify peace efforts and enhance humanitarian aid before the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, commencing in around 10 days.
