Field Report: Escalating Crisis in North and Central Darfur

(Kampala) – The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) has received alarming updates from North and Central Darfur, highlighting ongoing violations and the deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.

North Darfur: Siege and Displacement

El Fasher, North Darfur

On 6 September 2024, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) laid siege to the Dar El Salam locality, 71 kilometres south of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. This operation, conducted by RSF troops in 13 armed vehicles, resulted in the systematic looting of civilian properties. Among the items stolen were:

1. 23 Starlink Wi-Fi devices

2. 36 barrels of fuel

3. Essential supplies such as sugar, flour, and soap in Wadi Humra

4. Seven smartphones from high school students at a shelter centre

5. Solar system cells, batteries, 11 additional smartphones, and personal belongings, including clothing

The local population was subjected to intense fear and insecurity throughout the RSF’s presence, which lasted until approximately 4:00 am Sudan time on 7 September. The RSF forces then moved southward towards Wadi Abu Hamra, 17 kilometers from Dar El Salam locality.

On the same day, the situation in Abu Shouk IDP camp deteriorated sharply following heavy rains, exacerbating famine conditions and leading to targeted attacks within the camp. Fleeing violence and worsening humanitarian conditions, many internally displaced persons (IDPs) sought refuge in Tawila Locality, a region considered safer under the control of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLA/AW), led by Abdulwahid Alnour.

Central Darfur: Violence and Human Rights Abuses

Zalingei, Central Darfur

On 10 September 2024, Nasruddin Mohamed Atim, a 35-year-old father of two and university graduate, was shot by members of the RSF while at an internet café in the El Mohafizein neighborhood of Zalingei. Nasruddin, who previously worked with a Chinese company before the outbreak of war on 15 April 2023 and later as a fuel trader, was targeted by three RSF members notorious for looting civilian properties. Severely injured, Nasruddin was taken to Zalingei Hospital, where he received inadequate care due to the dire state of health services in the area. He is now awaiting transfer to Nyala, South Darfur, for critical medical treatment.

In another incident, 17-year-old Mujahid Juma, known as Anour, was forcibly taken by the RSF from the western neighborhood of Zalingei on 7 September 2024. Detained at a former Sudanese Army base now controlled by the RSF, Mujahid endured brutal physical and sexual torture over several days. His family located him on 9 September 2024 and secured his release through financial guarantees. Tragically, Mujahid succumbed to his injuries two days later, on 10 September 2024, at Zalingei Hospital. He was a young man with his entire future ahead of him, living with his family in Zalingei’s western neighborhood.

At approximately 10:00 AM on September 11, 2024, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched an artillery assault on Kafut, a densely populated residential area in El Fasher, North Darfur. The shelling struck both civilian homes and a displacement shelter located in Ahmad Al-Zain Private School, where internally displaced persons (IDPs) were seeking refuge. This report outlines the details of the attack, its impact on civilians, and the urgent need for international intervention to protect lives and uphold human rights.

The shelling resulted in the deaths of two women and left four civilians injured. The deceased are:

  1. Zamzam Kamoun Mohammed, 49 years old, resident of Kafut.
  2. Nahid Ahmed Mohammed Nour, wife of Zakaria Abdulrahman.

The injured are:

  1. Alaa Zakaria Abdulrahman Zakaria
  2. Walaa Zakaria Abdulrahman Zakaria
  3. Khadija Yahya Ahmed Yahya
  4. Hafez Mustafa Hashem

An Urgent Call for Action

The situation in Darfur, particularly in North and Central regions, is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights violations that continue to plague Sudan. The deliberate targeting of civilians, including the looting of essential resources and the use of torture, represents a grave violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. The humanitarian crisis is intensifying, with vulnerable populations facing increasing threats to their safety, security, and dignity. Urgent international attention and action are required to address the escalating violence and ensure the protection of human rights across Sudan.

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