RSF Intensifies Assault on Zamzam Camp; Governor Calls for Armed Defense
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have escalated attacks on the Zamzam camp in North Darfur, prompting a plea from Governor Minni Arko Minawi for armed defense of the displaced. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) calls for immediate protection of civilians and medical personnel as violence intensifies, overwhelming local healthcare facilities and leading to significant casualties among the vulnerable population.
On February 12, 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensified their assault on the Zamzam camp for displaced persons in North Darfur. Governor Minni Arko Minawi urged those capable of carrying arms to defend the vulnerable population. In response to the violence, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has appealed for safe passage for civilians ensnared in the conflict.
The RSF’s recent onslaught on Zamzam resulted in extensive civilian abuse, including the destruction of the main market and pillaging of personal property. Although the army, Joint Force, and Popular Resistance managed to repel the attack, the situation remains dire with ongoing clashes.
In a social media post, Governor Minawi called upon armed individuals to protect the displaced from the RSF’s aggression, referring to the militia as terrorists. The renewed RSF and tribal militia attack has left many victims and led to desperate conditions for those seeking refuge in El Fasher.
Eyewitness reports indicate that explosions and fires continue to echo across the Zamzam camp. Thousands of displaced individuals are fleeing on foot, some sustaining gunshot wounds, illustrating the perilous conditions they face.
The Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees has condemned the RSF’s actions as a heinous massacre, describing the streets of Zamzam as filled with bloodshed. Spokesperson Adam Regal emphasized that the attack symbolizes blatant war crimes, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to safeguard displaced individuals.
The displaced population fears that the RSF might mimic atrocities committed in Geneina, West Darfur, should they gain control of the Zamzam camp, as they allege ties between the camp’s residents and the Joint Force.
Last December, the RSF targeted Zamzam with long-range artillery, causing numerous casualties. They justified these attacks by alleging the joint force exploited displaced persons as human shields, a claim that the joint force has denied.
In light of the escalating violence, MSF called on all conflict parties to prioritize civilian safety and protect medical personnel and facilities. They expressed significant concern for both civilians and MSF staff in Zamzam.
As violence disrupts humanitarian aid, MSF’s hospital in Zamzam is experiencing an influx of patients, with recent admissions also reporting several fatalities. Notably, due to combat-related blockades, the facility lacks trauma surgery capabilities.
MSF has underscored the critical need for safe evacuation routes for civilians trapped in the camp and asserted the protection of medical facilities must be ensured. They persistently urge all warring factions to spare civilians and allow them safe escape routes.
The situation in Zamzam camp has reached a critical point, with ongoing attacks by the RSF leading to severe humanitarian consequences. Governor Minawi’s appeal for armed defense highlights the urgency for protective measures. Meanwhile, MSF’s calls for civilian safety and medical protection emphasize the urgent need for international intervention to avert further atrocities.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
