Bloody attacks in Sudan: Over 100 dead in RSF attacks!

Bloody attacks in Sudan: Over 100 dead in RSF attacks!

In Sudan, violence between the army and the Rapid Reaction Forces (RSF) is reaching alarming levels. How Small newspaper reports, the Sudanese army under military ruler Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF under Mohammed Hamdan Daglo have been fighting for control of the country since April 2023. In recent days, more than 100 people, including 20 children, have been killed in attacks on the city of Al-Fashir and neighboring refugee camps. The UN estimates that the death toll from “coordinated ground and air strikes” could rise further.

The RSF made headlines with heavy artillery attacks on Al-Fashir and the Samsam and Abu Shuk refugee camps. According to local resistance committees, there have already been 57 civilian deaths, while the Sudanese army reports 74 dead and 17 injured. Among the victims in Samsam are nine humanitarian workers who worked in a hospital run by an international aid organization. The UN emergency relief coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, condemned their killing as an escalation of violence against displaced people and humanitarian workers.

Strategic importance of Al-Fashir

Al-Fashir, the only state capital in Darfur still held by the army, represents a strategic target for the RSF. The ongoing conflict has massively worsened the humanitarian situation. Famine was already noted in the Samsam refugee camp last year. Rumors of a deeper humanitarian crisis are reinforced by reports that an estimated 8.5 million Sudanese are living in famine across the country, with half the population on the verge of starvation, like ZDF reported.

The UN launched a fundraising appeal for $4 billion for Sudan, but only half of it has been met. University professor Shawky Al-Mahy Abdulaziz describes the dramatic situation of the civilian population, which suffers from massive violence against unarmed people. People are particularly dependent on food aid in Al-Fashir, where living conditions continue to deteriorate. The Sudanese army has also retaken the presidential palace, but there is no willingness to negotiate between the conflicting parties.

International reactions and outlook

International attention and support for Sudan is low. Political scientist Volker Perthes describes the situation as worse than ever. Concerns have also been raised about the army's use of Islamist brigades. Given the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis, there is a real risk of the country being divided into two power zones, West and East, which could further destabilize the situation.

As fighting continues and the humanitarian situation worsens, it is hoped that international efforts to stabilize Sudan will begin. Civilians are at the heart of this crisis and their situation requires urgent support and intervention.