Urgent SOS Calls from Tuti Island Amidst Siege by Rapid Support Forces
Tuti Island, located at the confluence of the White and Blue Niles in Khartoum, is facing a dire humanitarian crisis as residents call for immediate assistance from humanitarian organizations. The island's emergency room has issued a distress signal, highlighting the critical shortage of essential supplies due to a siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). With food supplies expected to run out within a week and drinking water cut off since June 2023, the situation has reached catastrophic levels.
The RSF has reportedly looted food from community kitchens and health facilities, exacerbating the already dire health conditions on the island. Over 500 deaths have been reported, attributed to a combination of natural causes and violence, including stray bullets and shelling. The lack of medical care has led to the spread of diseases and fevers, putting additional strain on the already overwhelmed health system.
Local sources indicate that the Sudanese army has begun targeting RSF bases on Tuti Island in a bid to reclaim control, but the RSF continues to impose severe restrictions on the movement of residents, charging exorbitant fees for passage off the island. Emergency lawyers have reported violent assaults on residents, including beatings and threats, as the RSF attempts to maintain its grip on the area. The situation calls for urgent intervention to protect civilians and restore access to humanitarian aid.
