As fighting intensifies around El Fasher, the last major city in Darfur not under paramilitary control, the region faces the brink of another disaster. Besieged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, El Fasher is witnessing soaring violence, with clashes between RSF fighters and army-aligned groups escalating. The situation is dire, with shells falling on displacement camps, causing casualties and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Medical facilities are overwhelmed by injuries from the conflict, compounded by acute malnutrition, malaria outbreaks, and respiratory diseases suspected to be linked to pollution from shelling. Amidst this chaos, international aid is dwindling, exacerbating the suffering of civilians already grappling with displacement and food insecurity.
There are grave concerns about the potential for atrocities if the RSF gains control of El Fasher, given their history of targeting ethnic groups. Diplomatic efforts to prevent a large-scale attack on the city are underway, but tensions remain high.
In Zamzam camp, where internally displaced people seek refuge, the situation is dire, with catastrophic levels of malnutrition reported. Despite efforts by organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to provide medical assistance, the lack of humanitarian aid and insecurity hinder their efforts.
As clashes intensify and civilian casualties mount, there are fears of further bloodshed and revenge attacks across Darfur. Urgent action is needed to prevent a repetition of history and mitigate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.
