At least 134 people have lost their lives in the past two weeks due to growing tensions in the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to a recent report by Doctors without Borders.
Also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Doctors without Borders carries forward its mission, stating that they had treated 979 casualties since the conflict started over two weeks ago. The growing death toll illuminates the severe intensity of the fighting.
The deadly face-off between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the latter backed by Arab militias known as Janjaweed, initiated in April 2023. Over a year since, the violence has taken roots in el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur and the military’s last stronghold. The resulting humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to trail a path of displacement and loss of lives.
Avril Benoît, USA’s executive director, expresses concern over the impending famine and intensifying ethnic violence, coupled with an alarming level of malnutrition that shadows the conflict. She adds, “What has been a collection of localized humanitarian crises has quickly evolved into an all-consuming humanitarian catastrophe.”
In light of the escalating tensions, last month, the UN Security Council issued a press statement, urging the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF to lower the intensity of the conflict, work towards a sustainable ceasefire, and comply with their responsibilities under international humanitarian law. The council has also urged all Member States to abstain from any external interference that could potentially trigger instability. Member states must comply with arms embargo measures per Resolution 1556 (2005), thus preventing the sale or supply of arms to the Janjaweed in North, South, and West Darfur.
Doctors without Borders, an international aid organization committed to providing medical humanitarian aid to those in conflict-ridden and disease-afflicted areas, reported the tragic death of a staff member on May 25 when shelling hit his home in Sudan. This incident further underscores the personal toll taken on the organization’s personnel amidst the crisis.
As the conflict persists, there’s an evident shortage of medical staff and an urgent need for medical supplies. Claire Nicolet, head of emergency programs, warns, “Medical supplies are running out—we have only around 10 days of supplies left, so we urgently need to be able to restock the hospital…” The appeal is clear: safe access and authorizations from conflicting parties are the need of the hour to continue aiding the wounded.