Rapid Support Forces (RSF) raided a camp in the Sudanese City of Al-Fashir, leading to lots of people running away from their homes. RFS are struggling to grab the final army stronghold in the Western Darfur Region.
On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, RFS soldiers launched an attack on the Vast Abu Shouk Camp. This attack occurred barely a year into Sudan’s war and it killed an unknown number of people, at the same time wounding at least 13 people.
60% of more than the 100,000 residents who reside in the area fled on Thursday. This information was provided by the Coordinating Committee for Refugees and Displaced People, which manages camps in the area. Locals stated that fighting continued in all other parts of Al- Fashir.
Early last year, RFS and its allies attacked four other Darfur State Capitals. They were accused of ethnic driven killings of non-Arabs groups and other abuse claims in West Darfur- accusations which they later dismissed.
Both the RSF and the army have made no comment on the latest attack in Al-Fashir, a historic core of power. They both have accused each other of the attack.
Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the U.N special adviser on the prevention of genocide, stated that there was an increased risk of genocide. Wairimu added that there were allegations that genocide is already taking place. She disclosed this information on Tuesday, stating that residents of Al-Fashir and other parts of Darfur were the targets due to their identity and skin colour.
A photo of two children with their mother walking to look for shelter
Abu Shouk is the habitat of survivors of Darfur’s violence which occurred two decades ago. The armed factions, RSF precursors, fought with the Sudanese army and were suspected of genocide.
Sudan has experienced a lot of violence for a number of years leading to people living in camps for protection. In April 2023, a war broke between RSF and the army in Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan. It led to more than half a million people moving to Al-Fashir in an attempt to escape the war.
Since May 10, 2024, a minimum of 85 people have passed on at the only operating medical center in the south of Al-Fashir, according to the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). MSF is known for its great support to countries experiencing wars, especially in the ongoing Gaza war.
Residents and MSF say that there is a likelihood that the total number of victims is much larger as thousands of residents affected by the fights in the north, east and south are unable to reach healthcare providers. RSF blamed the army for executing large air scales, using human barricades and damaging Al-Fashir’s power station.
Earlier in a statement issued by the security council of the United Nations, RSF and the army were requested to terminate the reinforcement of armed forces and take necessary measures to alleviate the situation. They were also asked to abide by the obligations in the international humanitarian law.
The RSF attack comes at a time when the world is experiencing a never ending conflict between Israel and Palestine in Gaza, which has caused loss of a lot of lives. Gaza conflict has caused a lot of disagreements among countries with Kenya not left behind.
President Ruto experienced a lot of protest from leaders when he wanted some Kenyan police officers to assist in the fighting of the war. In his recent visit to U.S., Kenyans who are reside in U.S. also protested the idea of deploying officers to Haiti.
The council members also requested for an immediate termination of the conflicts as a way of achieving permanent cessation of violence. They urged all Sudanese to abstain from all differences that can lead to conflict and instability and instead support efforts for a long-term reconciliation.
