PORT SUDAN, Sudan – Recent attacks by the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have resulted in 114 deaths in the western Darfur region over the past week, according to medical sources. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, continues to escalate, with devastating consequences for civilians.
Escalating Violence and Displacement
The RSF seized the army’s last position in Darfur in October, and has since advanced towards the Chadian border and through the Kordofan region. A drone strike on Sunday targeted El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, causing a complete power outage in the army-controlled city.
On Saturday, 51 people were killed in drone strikes on Al-Zuruq, a town in North Darfur located 180 kilometers north of El-Fashir, which is now under RSF control. The strikes, attributed to the army, hit a market and civilian areas. Tragically, two members of the Daglo family – Moussa Saleh Daglo and Awad Moussa Saleh Daglo – were among those killed.
Separately, RSF fighters killed 63 people and injured 57 in and around Kernoi last week. Seventeen people remain missing following the attacks. The United Nations reports that over 7,000 people were displaced from Kernoi and Um Baru in just two days last month, many of whom belong to the Zaghawa group, which has been targeted by the RSF.
A Region Cut Off
The Darfur region remains largely inaccessible to reporters, and a years-long communications blackout has forced local volunteers and medics to rely on satellite internet to share information with the outside world. Both the army and the RSF are accused of targeting civilian areas, a situation the UN has described as a “war of atrocities.”
The fiercest violence is currently concentrated in Kordofan, a vast and oil-rich region linking Darfur to Khartoum, which the army recaptured last year. The RSF, following its victory in El-Fasher, is attempting to regain control of Sudan’s central corridor, tightening its siege around army-held cities.
The Joint Forces have recently retaken several towns south of El-Obeid, potentially opening a route to Dilling, another besieged city in South Kordofan. Since mid-December, 11,000 people have been displaced from North and South Kordofan states.
The Humanitarian Crisis
The war has forced over 11 million people to flee their homes, both internally and across Sudan’s borders. These displaced populations are often seeking refuge in underdeveloped areas lacking adequate nutrition, medicine, and clean water. Hundreds of thousands face mass starvation across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the conflict in Sudan?
The conflict began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF had previously seized the army’s last holdout position in Darfur in October.
Which regions are most affected by the violence?
Darfur and Kordofan are currently experiencing the fiercest fighting. The conflict is also impacting areas surrounding El-Obeid and Kernoi.
What is the situation for civilians in Darfur?
The Darfur region is largely inaccessible to reporters and under a communications blackout. Both the army and the RSF are accused of targeting civilian areas, and the UN has described the situation as a “war of atrocities.”
As the conflict continues, what steps might be taken to alleviate the suffering of civilians and facilitate a path towards a peaceful resolution?
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