UN Reports Hundreds Feared Dead in Recent Attacks in Darfur: A Closer Look at the Ongoing Sudan War

More than 400 people have died in recent attacks by the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s Darfur region, according to the United Nations. They mentioned that "credible sources" confirm this alarming figure. Just last week, the RSF launched fierce ground and aerial attacks on refugee camps around el-Fasher, aiming to take control of the last state capital in Darfur still held by the Sudanese army.

Since fighting began in April 2023, Sudan has experienced a devastating power struggle. This ongoing conflict has resulted in the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, displacing millions from their homes. The UN has verified 148 killings between Thursday and Saturday alone, but warns the actual number could be much higher. Tragically, at least nine humanitarian aid workers were among those killed.

The refugee camps surrounding el-Fasher, like Zamzam and Abu Shouk, are home to over 700,000 people. Many residents are facing dire conditions, resembling famine. On Saturday, the RSF claimed they weren’t responsible for the civilian killings and stated that some scenes of violence were staged to undermine their forces. They assert they successfully took control of the camp, accusing the Sudanese army of using it as a military base and putting civilians at risk.

The situation in el-Fasher is alarming. It is the last town in Darfur under army control and has faced a year-long siege by the RSF. As the brutal civil war approaches its second anniversary, the UN’s Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, urged all involved parties to commit to finding a resolution to this ongoing conflict.

In a bid to address the crisis, senior international officials are meeting in London this week, coinciding with the conflict’s anniversary. Ahead of this meeting, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced a £120 million aid package for Sudan, emphasizing the importance of stability in the region for national security. The UK is co-hosting the conference with the African Union and European Union.

This situation not only impacts those directly involved but also reverberates across the globe. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, and international support is crucial. Recent statistics reveal that nearly 8 million people in Sudan are in urgent need of food assistance. As world leaders gather to discuss aid, the hope is for meaningful steps toward a peaceful resolution.

For reliable updates, you can check out the UN’s official website for more information on their efforts in Sudan.

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