Sudan Conflict Worsens as Attacks in Darfur Claim Over 100 Lives
A new wave of violence in Sudan has left more than 100 dead, including 23 children and 9 humanitarian workers, as conflict in Darfur intensifies. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, launched coordinated attacks beginning on April 11, targeting Zamzam and Abu Shouk—two of the largest camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs)—as well as the regional capital, El Fasher.
The humanitarian staff killed were among the few remaining aid workers operating vital health posts in the area.
No End to Civilian Suffering
The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Sudan strongly condemned the attacks, warning that the crisis is becoming increasingly severe as ethnically motivated violence and hate speech surge.
“For two years the world has watched civilians endure relentless brutality with no relief in sight,” stated FFM Chair Mohamed Chande Othman in a statement issued on Monday. “The growing tide of hate-driven violence suggests the worst is yet to come.”
Call for Justice
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also denounced the violence, emphasizing that assaults on civilians, health workers, and humanitarian personnel are forbidden under international law.
“Those responsible for these atrocities must be held accountable,” Guterres stressed. He called for immediate, sustained humanitarian access to affected areas such as Zamzam camp, where famine conditions have been reported.
Two Years of Atrocities
The Darfur atrocities are part of a broader conflict that erupted on April 15, 2023, when fighting broke out in Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The power struggle rapidly escalated into a nationwide civil war.
So far, the conflict has killed thousands and displaced over 12.4 million people—more than 3.3 million of whom have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
The FFM has reported that both warring factions are guilty of grave breaches of international humanitarian law, including intentional attacks on civilians, acts of sexual violence, use of starvation as a weapon, widespread looting, and the destruction of essential infrastructure.
Aid Workers Under Fire
UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, labeled the situation in Darfur as “deadly and unacceptable,” condemning the targeted attacks on aid workers and civilians.
“These families—many already displaced multiple times—are now trapped again, with no safe haven,” she said. “This violence must stop.”
According to the FFM, survivors in the Zamzam camp—a former refuge for over 750,000 people, half of them children—are now under siege-like conditions. Access to humanitarian aid remains extremely restricted. Children are reportedly dying of hunger, while health facilities have been destroyed.
Children in Peril
UNICEF also raised the alarm, reporting the deaths of at least 23 children during the recent attacks.
“These unspeakable acts against children and civilians must end,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Children must be shielded from this chaos, and humanitarian staff must be protected, not targeted.”
Russell warned that famine threatens over one million people in and around El Fasher and Zamzam camp due to escalating violence and severely hindered aid delivery.
Violence Spreads Beyond Darfur
The humanitarian crisis is not limited to Darfur. The SAF and their allies have been accused of retaliatory violence in newly recaptured territories, including Sinja and Al-Dinder in Sennar State and Wad Madani in Al-Jazirah (Gezira) State.
According to the FFM, witnesses have reported mass arrests, arbitrary detentions, and summary executions, particularly in southern Khartoum. Many detainees have since disappeared.
“These events underscore the urgent necessity to prevent further escalation and protect both civilians and the fragile systems they depend upon,” said FFM member Mona Rishmawi.
International Responsibility Urged
As international actors prepare to convene in London to address Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, the FFM reiterated the need for global accountability. States must uphold the Geneva Conventions—the foundation of international humanitarian law—by refraining from fueling the conflict.
“Countries must not fund or arm the warring parties, as doing so risks enabling further violations,” warned Rishmawi.
Established by the Human Rights Council in October 2023 and renewed through October 2024, the UN’s Fact-Finding Mission is tasked with investigating alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed throughout the Sudanese conflict.
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