Sudan’s North Darfur Descends into Catastrophe: Over 500 Civilians Killed in Three Weeks as War Rages On
The United Nations has warned of an escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan’s North Darfur, where at least 542 civilians have been killed in the past three weeks amid intensified fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the violence as “horror without bounds,” citing coordinated RSF attacks on El Fasher and Abu Shouk camp that killed dozens. The actual death toll is feared to be far higher.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned “appalling” massacres at Zamzam and Abu Shouk refugee camps, where hundreds perished, including aid workers. Over 400,000 people fled Zamzam in April alone, overwhelming displacement routes to Chad. Civilians face starvation, extrajudicial executions, and checkpoint abuses, with social media footage showing RSF forces executing 30 men in Omdurman.
Diplomatic efforts continue, with UN envoy Ramtane Lamamra meeting Egyptian and Arab League officials to push for a Sudanese-led peace process. However, the RSF’s ominous warnings of “bloodshed” ahead of battles with SAF signal further escalation. The conflict, now in its third year, has created the world’s largest displacement crisis. Türk and Guterres urgently called for ceasefire, civilian protection, and unhindered aid access, stressing: “Millions endure this daily reality. The war must end.”
