RSF Accused of Attacking Darfur’s Zamzam Camp Amid Humanitarian Crisis
The RSF has been accused of storming the Zamzam camp in North Darfur, leading to looting and arson, amidst ongoing humanitarian crises exacerbated by famine. This marks the first reported attack by RSF at the camp, which houses around half a million internally displaced persons. Eyewitnesses report dire conditions, with medical facilities overwhelmed and access to treatment blocked. The violence reflects a pattern of attacks on displacement camps, intensifying the humanitarian situation in North Darfur.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have been accused of attacking the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur, which is the largest of its kind in the country. According to local refugee organizations, RSF fighters looted and set fires to market areas and several homes within the camp, where approximately half a million people are currently sheltered and suffering from famine. This incident marks the first allegation of RSF involvement at the camp, despite ongoing artillery shelling since late last year.
Eyewitness reports describe the situation as “extremely catastrophic,” with many casualties and the camp’s hospital lacking operational surgical capabilities. The city of el-Fasher, which is nearby, has been besieged by the RSF as they engage in combat with Sudan’s army. Tensions escalated following a breakdown in the alliance between the military and the RSF, originally formed during a coup, after disagreements over a plan for transitioning to civilian governance.
Reports indicate that the RSF denied invading Zamzam, claiming instead to have taken control of a military base belonging to an allied armed group that had been shelling their checkpoints. The assault on Zamzam has resulted in thousands of displaced individuals fleeing once more, with roadblocks set up by the RSF hindering access for the injured to medical treatment in el-Fasher.
The humanitarian crisis intensified when heavy artillery fire struck the camp late last year, with organizations such as Doctors Without Borders attributing the violence to the RSF’s actions. International non-governmental organizations condemned the escalation of hostilities, indicating that it is part of a consistent pattern of attacks against displaced persons’ camps, creating an environment where no safe havens exist for those seeking refuge in North Darfur. The siege of el-Fasher began in April, coinciding with the broader conflict’s two-year mark and highlighting continued risks for non-Arab communities in the region, who face the threat of ethnic cleansing by the RSF.
In summary, the RSF’s alleged attack on Zamzam camp exacerbates the ongoing humanitarian crisis in North Darfur. The camp, already suffering from famine, is now further threatened by violence and displacement. The situation remains dire with residents unable to access necessary medical care, underscoring the perilous conditions faced by displaced individuals amidst the civil conflict. Continued international attention and assistance are crucial to address the escalating violence and humanitarian needs in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
