At least 25 people were killed in an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the village of Abu Zariqa, near the Zamzam camp for displaced persons in North Darfur, Sudan. This incident occurred 15 kilometers south of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. The attack has raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, reporting that over 700 individuals have died in El Fasher since May 2023. Turk has called for an end to the RSF's siege on the city, which has exacerbated the suffering of civilians.
The RSF's recent actions, including increased artillery attacks on civilians and the burning of approximately 45 villages inhabited by the Zaghawa tribe, have led to widespread displacement and dire humanitarian conditions. Many residents have fled towards the Chadian border in search of safety, facing severe shortages of basic necessities such as drinking water. The situation has prompted international calls for immediate intervention to protect affected civilians and halt the violence.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and left more than 14 million people displaced or seeking refuge. The international community is urged to take action to address the escalating violence and provide humanitarian support to those in need.
