Protests Erupt in Darfur Against Ongoing Siege by Rapid Support Forces
In a significant demonstration today, displaced residents of Zamzam camp in North Darfur voiced their frustrations against the prolonged siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Located just 15 kilometers from Al Fasher, the camp houses approximately 100,000 displaced individuals who are enduring severe humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the RSF's restrictions on food and medical supplies.
The demonstrators, chanting for an end to the siege and the reopening of vital crossings, expressed their outrage at the international community's silence regarding their plight. Mohamed Daoud Shelia, a camp leader, highlighted the dire conditions, stating that the residents have been suffering from a lack of humanitarian aid even before the current conflict escalated. The siege has intensified their hardships, leading to risks of famine and a critical shortage of potable water.
Residents like Hawa Suleiman shared harrowing accounts of how the siege has skyrocketed the prices of basic goods, making it nearly impossible for families to afford food and medicine. Many children are particularly vulnerable, facing malnutrition as aid becomes increasingly inaccessible. Hawa's plea for urgent international intervention underscores the desperate need for support and assistance for the displaced families who have lost everything and are struggling to survive in these harsh conditions.
Renewed Clashes in El Fasher Amid Ongoing Conflict
As protests unfold, violence continues to plague the region. Eyewitnesses reported renewed clashes on Monday between the Sudanese army and joint forces of armed struggle movements against the RSF in the southeastern neighborhoods of El Fasher. The sound of heavy gunfire filled the air, although there were no immediate reports of civilian casualties due to disrupted communication networks.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Majeed Babiker Idris Khamis, spokesperson for the Sudan Liberation Army-Transitional Council, announced that the armed forces are making significant progress against the RSF, asserting that the presence of armed militias in previously controlled areas is nearing its end. He emphasized that the military operations aim to restore security and stability in the region, bolstered by improved combat strategies and leadership support.
The situation in Darfur remains precarious as the humanitarian crisis deepens, and the ongoing conflict continues to threaten the lives of countless civilians.
