Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commit Massacre in Al-Salha

According to Sudan’s Doctors Network, the RSF have killed 31 civilian captives in the al-Salha neighborhood of Omdurman. The RSF claimed that the civilians were collaborating with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

RSF Control in Al-Salha

The RSF took control of Al-Salha after being driven out of Khartoum and parts of Omdurman by the SAF during the ongoing conflict between the two groups.

Shocking Video Evidence

A video released by the RSF documenting the killings has sparked outrage among Sudanese citizens. The Sudanese Emergency Lawyers group described the footage as showing civilians being shot in cold blood, with an RSF leader admitting to orders to eliminate civilians.

International Condemnation

The Sudanese Congress Party, Umma National Party, and civil democratic alliance Sumood have all condemned the massacre in Al-Salha. They have denounced the deliberate targeting of civilians and vital infrastructure, including drone strikes on power stations and IDP camps.

These actions have been described as brutal and in violation of international charters.

Drone Strike on Atbara Power Substation Deepens Sudan’s Energy Crisis

Attack on Atbara Power Substation:

The Sudanese Electricity Holding Company has reported that the Atbara power substation in River Nile State was targeted by a drone strike, marking the fourth attack on the facility. The incident has caused widespread power outages in the River Nile and Red Sea States, exacerbating the country’s energy crisis amidst the ongoing war.

Fire at the Substation:

A statement from the company’s Media Coordination Council confirmed that the drone attack ignited a fire at the substation. Civil defense teams are currently working to extinguish the blaze, after which a technical assessment will be carried out to determine the extent of the damage and initiate restoration efforts.

RSF Blamed for the Attack:

The company accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of launching the drone attack on the electricity infrastructure. The RSF has increasingly utilized drones since the conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces began in April 2023, targeting strategic facilities like power plants and transmission stations.

Impact on Civilian Life:

The frequent strikes on critical infrastructure have led to instability in the country’s electrical grid, resulting in routine electricity blackouts across Sudan. Residents in various states face prolonged power cuts, especially in areas controlled by the SAF, adding to the challenges faced by millions amidst soaring temperatures.

Challenges Faced by Citizens:

As a result of the power outages, demand for alternative cooling solutions has surged, leading to increased prices for essential services like ice for food and medicine preservation. The war has severely impacted public services, including access to clean water, electricity, and healthcare, further straining the already fragile power sector.

Long-Term Consequences:

Analysts warn that continued attacks on power infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences not only for civilian life but also for Sudan’s long-term recovery post-conflict. The ongoing targeting of critical facilities poses a significant threat to the country’s ability to rebuild and restore basic services once the fighting ceases.

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.

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.