Hunger drama in al-fashir: 63 dead within a week!

Hunger drama in al-fashir: 63 dead within a week!

in al-fashir, the last larger city in Sudan, which is still controlled by the Sudanese army, the humanitarian Situation has deteriorated dramatically. In the past week, at least 63 people, mainly women and children, died of malnutrition. This is reported by a health representative of the state of North Darfur, who points out that these numbers only include those people who died in hospitals. Many families bury their dead without medical help, which may increase the number of unreported cases. The conflict in the region has triggered the greatest hunger and refugee crisis in the world, with more than 14 million people being violently sold, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

The situation is still exacerbated by the siege of the RSF militia (Rapid Support Forces), which have been surrounding al-fashir since May 2024. According to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), thousands of people are threatened with starvation because they are cut off from auxiliary deliveries. Calculations and reports indicate that the MSF militia could take control of al-fashir in a few days, which would result in a humanitarian catastrophe, as experts and natives predict.

tensions and violence in Sudan

The situation has further tightened since a civil war between the RSF and the Sudanese army broke out in April 2023. The RSF, which has now received progressive weapons from countries such as Chad, Libya and South Sudan, plans to take al-fashir within the next few days. RSF consultant Ali Musabel confirmed that an attack was planned that would completely surround the city while exerting pressure from different sides.

The latest reports show that the RSF has carried out mass killings and systematic rape in the region. On January 25th, at least 80 people were killed in Borush, around 170 kilometers east of Al-Fashir, allegedly all armed civilians, as Musabel explained. Nevertheless, eyewitnesses and human rights groups have documented the brutalitarian acts of the RSF.

challenges for the civilian population

The civilian population faces enormous challenges, since many middle classes are armed against the attacks of the RSF. Freshly reported local journalists about the desperate measures taken by civilians to defend their communities. The Zamzam refugee camp, which is only 15 kilometers south of Al-Fashir and whose population has grown from 300,000 to over 500,000, is particularly at risk. The RSF shot this camp several times, and current reports suggest that all escape routes are blocked.

International politicians, including US Senator Chris van Hollen, have expressed their concern about the participation of the UAE in the armament of the RSF. According to reports, the United Arab Emirates contested the delivery of advanced ammunition to the RSF. Analysts argue that more international measures are necessary to protect civilians and possibly set up safe zones and flight ban zones.

The pressing necessity of comprehensive humanitarian aid and international intervention is more urgent than ever, while the situation in al-fashir and the entire Sudan is further tightened.