On March 27, 2024, the World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with its implementation partner Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), delivered food supplies intended for Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of the Ronga Tas camp in Azum Locality, Central Darfur. With 8,428 families residing in the Rogatas camp, IDPs are already suffering from severe starvation and in dire need of assistance for survival. The news of the first batch of food arriving was of great relief to the starving population.

However, after the arrival of the food, which was three trucks carrying food items, including millet, children’s biscuits, and other food items, the IDPs were surprised by armed militia with cars and tracks in the food distribution area.  The armed soldiers from Arab tribes, some wearing RSF clothes and cars, others with plain clothes, from the group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), intervened and confiscated all the food.

 Eyewitnesses reported that the soldiers threatened and even fired warning shots to prevent IDPs from accessing the food. While most of the food was taken away by the militia camp, residents alleged that RSF distributed some of the aid to its affiliates in the neighboring Sharq Alneel IDP camp controlled by the RSF Brigadier General Omda Osman Mohamed Junga.

The looted food items were brought to Mornie market for sale the next day.  “The image below shows the same food items for sale in a pro-RSF shop in Mornei market by a local monitor on April 1, 2024. The denial of food to Rogatas IDPs shows a new dangerous trend as it shows an intention from the RSF and affiliated militia to create mass death and suffering to IDPs on ethnic and political bases.

Residents of the camp described the dire conditions they face, including widespread starvation and acute malnutrition, especially among elderlies and children, resulting in highly increased mortality rates in the past month. This incident is not an isolated one; the RSF has previously obstructed humanitarian assistance meant for refugees and IDPs, as documented by the Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR).

Despite commitments made during the Jeddah talks in November 2023, where the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF pledged to facilitate humanitarian assistance, the recent actions of the RSF contradict these promises.

 DNHR urges the RSF to allow the swift delivery of aid, particularly essential items like food, in compliance with the Joint Statement of Commitments from the Jeddah Talks. The international community must intervene promptly as the threat of famine looms over Sudan. The responsibility to act lies with all of us, and we must act before it’s too late.