The UN human rights office reported on August 20 that attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed at least 89 civilians in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and the nearby Abu Shouk displacement camp over a ten-day period.
The recent violence is part of a conflict that began in April 2023, with the RSF, which originated from Janjaweed militias, imposing a total blockade on El Fasher last month. UN officials have demanded an immediate halt to the attacks, noting that the actual civilian death toll is likely higher than the confirmed 89. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating alleged war crimes.
Ethnic Targeting and Casualties
Human rights officials noted specific ethnic targeting in the attacks. Of the confirmed deaths, 16 civilians were summarily executed, most of them from the African Zaghawa tribe. Additionally, at least 57 people were killed on August 11, and another 32 died between August 16-20. One victim from the African Berti tribe was also killed in el-Fasher.
A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
Beyond the immediate death toll, the conflict has created a widespread humanitarian crisis. The UN reports that over 40,000 people have been killed, and more than 14 million have been displaced. The Zamzam camp alone once housed over 500,000 people. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported 48,768 cholera cases and 1,094 deaths as of August 11, highlighting the dire public health situation.
