The RSF has intensified attacks on Zamzam camp in North Darfur, prompting local leaders to call for armed defense of displaced people. MSF has urgently requested safe passage for civilians and the protection of medical personnel amidst escalating violence. Eyewitness reports cite horrors of destruction and death, while concerns rise about potential ethnic cleansing and humanitarian crises in the region.
On February 12, 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated their assault on the Zamzam camp for displaced individuals in North Darfur, prompting Minni Arko Minawi, the region’s governor, to urge those capable of wielding arms to defend the vulnerable. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has issued a grave warning for the safety of civilians caught in the fighting, advocating for secure passage amidst the turmoil.
Following an aggressive attack on Tuesday that resulted in serious civilian abuses, including the destruction of the main market and extensive looting, the RSF was temporarily repulsed by coordinated efforts of the army and other local forces. Eyewitness accounts from El Fasher reported ongoing explosions and fires within the camp, as thousands of displaced people fled in dire conditions.
The Coordination of Displaced Persons and Refugees has condemned the RSF’s actions, labelling them a massacre, and called for immediate international intervention to safeguard the displaced. Adam Regal, a spokesperson for the Coordination, described horrific scenes in the camp, likening the streets to “death yards” filled with carnage.
Concerns have been raised that if the RSF gains control, there could be severe ethnic violence similar to incidents in Geneina, West Darfur. Past attacks, notably in December, resulted in numerous casualties and destruction, with justifications from the RSF regarding the presence of the joint force within the camp being firmly denied.
MSF urgently appeals to all conflicting parties to prioritize civilian safety and ensure that medical personnel and facilities are safeguarded. Reports from the MSF hospital indicate a rise in patient numbers amid inadequate resources and blocked access to trauma care, underscoring the critical need for civilians to evacuate safely.
The renewed assaults by the RSF on the Zamzam camp have prompted serious international concern regarding the safety of displaced persons and the humanitarian situation. Governor Minawi’s call to arms highlights the desperation of the local leadership amidst escalating violence. MSF’s urgent plea for protection and medical access emphasizes the dire circumstances faced by civilians caught in conflict, underscoring the need for immediate interventions and the respect for human rights.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
