Amnesty International has called for immediate investigations into the recent assaults by the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s North Darfur State. These attacks, aimed at the Zamzam camp, have raised serious concerns about possible war crimes. Between April 11 and 13, the RSF launched attacks on the camp for internally displaced individuals, armed with explosive weaponry and targeting civilians indiscriminately, even in sanctuaries such as hospitals and mosques. This led to widespread devastation, including the destruction of homes and vital infrastructure, exacerbating the region’s already dire humanitarian crisis. The attacks caused an internal displacement crisis, forcing approximately 400,000 people to flee. More details can be found in the report by Amnesty International.
Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, has emphasized the need to halt the RSF’s violations by cutting off their arms supply. This involves broadening the current arms embargo to encompass all of Sudan. In her statement, Callamard urged nations to stop exacerbating the conflict by transferring weapons and ammunition to the warring factions.
The assault on the Zamzam camp is part of the RSF’s broader military campaign to seize control of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. The RSF’s actions, which may contravene international humanitarian law, have prompted the United Nations to launch a fact-finding mission in November to investigate allegations of mass atrocities, including killings and sexual violence. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed grave concerns over reports of these incidents.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has thrust Sudan into a severe humanitarian crisis. The ongoing violence has led to widespread famine and disease outbreaks, with nearly two-thirds of the population in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. This unfolding situation reflects the urgent need for global attention and decisive action to address and resolve the humanitarian disaster.