Port Sudan, August 12(Darfur 24)
The United Nations announced on Tuesday that at least 40 civilians were killed in the Abu Shouk camp during the attack launched by the Rapid Support Forces on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State.
In a statement, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Sheldon Butt, expressed his shock at reports of a large-scale attack on Monday in the El Fasher area, including the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons, noting that civilians are paying the heaviest price in this conflict.
He said: “The attack was attributed to Rapid Support Forces fighters, with local sources reporting that at least 40 civilians were killed inside Abu Shouk and 19 others were injured.”
He strongly condemned all deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, stating, “Parties to the conflict have clear obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilians. Deliberate attacks on civilians are strictly prohibited, and displacement camps and other places of refuge for civilians must not be targeted.”
The statement noted that Abu Shouk camp is among the areas affected by famine in North Darfur. It added, “Also concerning—given these reports of escalating hostilities in and around El Fasher—is the closure of exit points from the city, effectively trapping civilians.”
He stated that the siege and escalating hostilities have left El Fasher residents with severely limited access to food, clean water, and medical care. He noted recent reports of more than 60 people—mostly women and children—died from malnutrition in El Fasher in just one week.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Sudan reiterated the humanitarian community’s call to protect civilians, end the blockade, allow unrestricted access to those in need, and provide immediate safe and unhindered passage for those wishing to flee El Fasher and other areas of active fighting.
The UN Secretary-General also called for a humanitarian truce in and around El Fasher to allow the delivery of food, water, medicine, and other life-saving supplies to those trapped in the city who are facing severe hunger and famine.
He continued, “All parties to the conflict must fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law: to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, allow safe passage, and facilitate unhindered humanitarian access.”