RSF Paramilitary Group Launches Deadly Attack on Sudan Displacement Camp

Militia Strikes Kill at Least 60 in Sudan Displacement Camp A devastating attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group on a displacement shelter in El Fasher, western Sudan, has left at least 60 people dead and many more injured. The Dar al-Arqam centre, located within the grounds of a university, was hit by drone and artillery strikes on Friday and Saturday, according to the resistance committee for El Fasher. The RSF's assault on the shelter is part of a larger siege that has been ongoing for 500 days, with the city under constant bombardment. The resistance committee described the attack as a "massacre" and called on the international community to intervene. "Bodies remain trapped in the rubble," said a spokesperson for the committee. "We urge the world to take action and put an end to this senseless violence." The Dar al-Arqam shelter is one of several displacement centres in El Fasher, which has been home to thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing conflict in other parts of Sudan. The RSF's actions have left many IDPs stranded and vulnerable, with limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. The attack on the shelter is not an isolated incident. In recent months, there has been a surge in violence against civilians in western Sudan, with reports of drone strikes, artillery shelling, and ground attacks by RSF forces. The international community has condemned these actions, but so far, no concrete measures have been taken to stop them. The implications of this attack are far-reaching. With the siege of El Fasher ongoing, the humanitarian situation is dire, and the risk of further violence and displacement is high. As one aid worker noted, "The RSF's actions are not only a threat to civilians but also to the very fabric of Sudanese society." In response to the attack, the United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and increased access to humanitarian aid. The African Union has also condemned the violence and urged all parties to respect human rights and international law. As the situation in El Fasher continues to deteriorate, the international community must act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed and protect civilians. The attack on the Dar al-Arqam shelter serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustained attention and action to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Background: The conflict in western Sudan began in 2020, with the RSF paramilitary group clashing with rebel forces over control of the region. Since then, the situation has escalated, with reports of human rights abuses, forced displacement, and attacks on civilians. Additional Perspectives: "This attack is a stark reminder of the RSF's disregard for human life," said a spokesperson for the Sudanese Human Rights Commission. "We urge the international community to take concrete action to stop this violence." "The humanitarian situation in El Fasher is catastrophic," said an aid worker. "We need urgent access to deliver aid and protect civilians from further harm." Current Status: The siege of El Fasher continues, with reports of ongoing fighting and attacks on civilians. The international community must act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed and protect civilians. Next Developments: The United Nations is set to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Sudan and potential measures to address it. Aid organizations are working tirelessly to deliver aid and support IDPs, but their efforts are hindered by the ongoing violence and lack of access. *Reporting by Theguardian.*