The United Nations announced that at least 89 people were killed over a 10-day period in attacks it attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the besieged city of El-Fasher and the adjacent Abu Shouk camp.
The RSF, which has been fighting the Sudanese army since mid-April 2023, has imposed a blockade on El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in western Sudan, since May of the same year.
Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said:
> “The besieged city of El-Fasher and Abu Shouk camp have witnessed brutal attacks carried out by RSF forces, killing at least 89 civilians between August 10 and 20.”
He expressed concern that the actual death toll may be “much higher,” stressing that “these attacks are unacceptable and must stop immediately.”
Laurence voiced “shock” at reports that 16 civilians were apparently executed in summary killings in the latest atrocities targeting civilians.
> “Most of those killed in Abu Shouk camp were from the Zaghawa ethnic group of African origin,” he noted.
He emphasized that “this pattern of targeting civilians and deliberate killings constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and confirms our deep concerns about escalating ethnically motivated violence.”
Malnutrition and Cholera Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that El-Fasher is facing a “severe humanitarian and health crisis” due to armed conflict, blockade, and displacement.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said civilians are suffering from acute food shortages, rising deaths caused by malnutrition, and a severe lack of health services.
He added that Darfur is experiencing a widespread cholera outbreak affecting communities and displacement camps, placing additional pressure on already fragile healthcare systems.
Lindmeier confirmed that all 18 Sudanese states have reported cholera cases, with 48,768 infections and 1,094 deaths recorded as of August 11.
The organization warned that cholera “can be fatal within hours if left untreated,” but it is treatable “with intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions, and antibiotics.”
