(Kampala) – The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) has received reports that from the morning of April 12 to April 13, 2024, Rapid Support Forces(RSF) soldiers, riding vehicles, motorcycles, horses, and camels, renewed their attack on about fifteen villages, particularly those to the west of El Fasher and internally displaced Camps of Jiqi, Qariq, Jarqa, Umm Ashush village, Hilla Khamis, Sarfaya, Majdoub (A), Majdoub (B), Majdoub (C), Muqrin, and Qarqaf. This led to thousands of civilians being displaced, including children, women, and disabled people.

The DNHR has documented that more than 27 innocent civilians were wounded, and more than 12 civilians were killed, along with widespread looting of civilian property by the RSF soldiers.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the recent attack destroyed about 15 villages, including Sarfaya, Darma, Barka, Kuym, and Umm Hagalig, leading to the burning of a large number of homes and causing the displacement of hundreds of civilians who are now on their way to El Fasher and Shukra.

Eyewitnesses also report that a joint force of armed movements moved on April 13, 2024, to protect civilians from the RSF and militias attacking the villages, leading to clashes between the two parties, with heavy casualties among them and also to civilians.

The situation in the Darfur region of West Sudan has been a long-standing humanitarian crisis characterised by conflict, violence, human rights abuses, and the displacement of millions of people. The conflict in Darfur began in 2003 and has resulted in widespread suffering, including loss of lives, destruction of homes and infrastructure, as well as food and water shortages, and is still ongoing.

Despite efforts by the international community and humanitarian organisations to address the crisis, the situation in Darfur remains dire for many individuals and communities. The ongoing conflict, combined with issues such as poverty, lack of access to essential services, and environmental challenges, has contributed to the continued suffering of the people in the region.

It is crucial for all stakeholders, including conflicting parties, international organisations, humanitarian agencies, and local communities, to work together to bring about lasting peace, promote reconciliation, address the root causes of the conflict, and provide essential support to the people of Darfur.

The ongoing violence in North Darfur, particularly attacks on civilians, underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the importance of protecting civilians from harm. Efforts to promote human rights, justice, economic development, and social cohesion are essential to alleviating suffering and building a more stable and prosperous future for the region.