SUDAN: RSF MUST STOP ATTACKS ON FAMINE-STRICKEN ZAMZAM CAMP

Responding to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacks on the famine-stricken Zamzam camp for internally displaced persons near North Darfur state capital El Fasher, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said:  

“Attacking and killing civilians seeking safety in a displaced persons camp and looting its market is unconscionable. The RSF and all other parties to the conflict must immediately end all attacks on civilians and stop using areas where civilians are present, including displaced persons camps, as battlefields. They must also immediately allow safe passage for civilians trying to escape the violence. 

Attacking and killing civilians seeking safety in a displaced persons camp and looting its market is unconscionable.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

“The attacks on Zamzam camp, amid the RSF’s continued siege of El Fasher, underscores the urgent need for real international pressure on the parties to the conflict to stop targeting civilians. Real pressure means instituting and enforcing a UN arms embargo across all of Sudan to stem the flow of weapons to all parties, and holding individuals responsible for crimes under international law accountable. The Sudan conflict has been ignored enough.”  

Background 

On 11 February, the RSF entered Zamzam camp, home to half a million displaced persons, and killed and arrested numerous residents. On 13 February, according to media reports, the RSF attacked the camp again, with fighting taking place in the camp between RSF and the Joint Forces, a consortium of armed groups allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces. 

The attacks on Zamzam camp, amid the RSF’s continued siege of El Fasher, underscores the urgent need for real international pressure on the parties to the conflict to stop targeting civilians.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

The UN has reported two humanitarians were killed in attacks on the camp. Safe passage has been blocked for some civilians trying to escape, including wounded people, according to the UN, Medecins Sans Frontieres and the Director General of the North Darfur Ministry of Health. 

Zamzam camp was established two decades ago to shelter civilians fleeing violence in the Darfur region.