Crisis in North Darfur: Violence and Displacement
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence against civilians in North Darfur, particularly after a mid-April attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Zamzam displacement camp. This assault resulted in the deaths of 12 humanitarian workers and has forced hundreds of thousands to flee, raising fresh allegations of sexual violence and forced recruitment.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Attack on Zamzam Displacement Camp
According to a situation update by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), displaced families reported killings, widespread looting, and the destruction of shelters during the RSF’s raid on the camp. Survivors described a breakdown in access to legal assistance, mental health services, and support for victims of gender-based violence. Reports from humanitarian partners indicate a sharp increase in sexual violence, forced recruitment, and civilian targeting by RSF fighters.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
Satellite imagery confirmed large fires in Zamzam’s central and southern zones. Once home to approximately 400,000 displaced people, the camp is now nearly deserted. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 332,000 people have fled to areas across North and Central Darfur, including the localities of Tina, Mellit, Tawila, and Dar El Salam. Another 150,000 people arrived in El Fasher, while an estimated 181,000 moved to Tawila locality alone.
Humanitarian Challenges
El Fasher is facing a severe fuel crisis, which has paralyzed essential services such as water delivery. The UN reported that diesel prices have surged fivefold over the past three months, making water transport nearly impossible in several neighborhoods. Local health workers also warn of rising medical emergencies among displaced populations, particularly children and the elderly. The lack of clean water and refrigeration for essential medications has already led to preventable complications and deaths in makeshift settlements.
The Role of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
The RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), has been accused of repeated human rights abuses throughout Sudan’s ongoing civil war. The group’s intensified operations in Darfur have triggered a wave of mass displacement and deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Call to Action
International aid agencies warn that without immediate intervention, access to clean water, medical care, and protection services will continue to deteriorate. Civilians already burdened by war, hunger, and displacement now face mounting threats to their safety and survival. The UN urged all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, ensure safe passage for civilians, and allow unrestricted access for humanitarian aid workers.
Conclusion
The situation in North Darfur is dire, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The international community must take immediate action to address the crisis, protect civilians, and hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable. The fate of the displaced populations hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the world acts now to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
