RSF blamed for deadly shelling of IDP camp in El Fasher

EL FASHER – Heavy artillery shelling on Monday hit the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) in El Fasher, North Darfur state, killing and wounding at least nine people, local sources said, with residents blaming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The shelling targeted residential areas within the camp, killing Khaltoum Babiker, 50, and wounding Ismail Ahmed Adam, 55, Mohamed Hassan Issa, 12, and Muhyiddin Ishaq Ismail, 14, Sudans Post reported.

According to the sources speaking to Sudans Post, more than five people were also injured at the Naivasha market.

The attack on Abu Shouk camp comes amid escalating fighting in El Fasher, a key stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Darfur, which has become a focus of the conflict between the SAF and the RSF.

The RSF, which emerged from the Janjaweed militias accused of atrocities in the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s, has besieged the city since late 2023, cutting supply routes and launching offensives on the 6^th Infantry Division of the SAF located to the centre of the city.

El Fasher has become a refuge for thousands fleeing violence elsewhere in Darfur and a base for humanitarian operations. However, the RSF siege has led to shortages of food, medicine, and water, raising fears of famine.

Residents reported increased artillery shelling and drone strikes on neighborhoods, markets, and IDP camps. Human rights organizations have warned of mass civilian casualties and further displacement.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire, fighting continues, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has displaced millions and created a major humanitarian crisis.

There was no immediate comment from the RSF on the shelling of Abu Shouk camp. Humanitarian groups have called for the protection of civilians and access for aid workers.