Sudanese Paramilitary Assault Claims 53 Lives in Darfur

A recent attack by Sudanese paramilitary forces has resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals in the city of el-Fasher, located in the troubled Darfur region. The assault, which included shelling and drone strikes, targeted a shelter housing displaced families. The incident occurred late on Friday, marking a tragic escalation in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for over two years.

According to the Sudan Doctors’ Network, a group of medical professionals documenting the war, among those killed were at least 14 children and 15 women. In addition, the attack left 21 people wounded, including five children and seven women, many of whom sustained serious injuries. The targeted facility, known as al-Arqam Home, is situated at the Omdurman Islamic University and served as a refuge for families displaced by the conflict.

Details of the Attack and Implications

The medical group condemned the assault, stating, “This massacre represents a continuation of the scorched-earth policy practiced by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians, in flagrant violation of all international norms and laws.” The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) did not respond to requests for comment regarding the attack.

The Mashad Organization, a human rights group, characterized the incident as “one of the most atrocious massacres” since the RSF initiated its offensive in el-Fasher over a year ago. They described it as an “act of genocide carried out before the eyes of a silent world.” The city has become a focal point of intense fighting between the Sudanese military and the RSF, with el-Fasher serving as the military’s last stronghold in Darfur.

Since July, paramilitary forces have enforced a total blockade on the city, severely restricting access to essential resources. The United Nations and various aid organizations report that approximately 260,000 civilians remain trapped in el-Fasher, as many have fled the violence. Those who remain are facing dire conditions, with reports of hunger and disease outbreaks, including cholera.

The Wider Context of the Conflict

The ongoing crisis in Sudan escalated dramatically in April 2023, when long-standing tensions between the military and the RSF erupted into open conflict in the capital, Khartoum, and other regions. This fighting has evolved into a full-scale war, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and displacing over 14 million people from their homes. The conflict has also been marked by widespread atrocities, including mass killings and sexual violence, prompting the International Criminal Court to investigate these acts as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.

As the situation in Darfur continues to deteriorate, humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent international intervention to address the escalating violence and the severe humanitarian crisis affecting the region. The world watches as the people of Sudan endure unimaginable hardships amid a conflict that has already claimed countless lives.