The tragic killing of civilians in North Darfur from artillery shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) underscores the urgent need to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where innocent lives are increasingly being exploited as shields in the violence.
Development Diaries reports that at least 15 people were reportedly killed and 64 others injured this week in El Fasher, southwest Sudan, during an artillery shelling that targeted areas occupied by civilians in the North Darfur capital.
According to the Director General of the Ministry of Health in North Darfur, Ibrahim Khater, five children and ten women were the casualties recorded during the bombing that occurred at a livestock market in the El Sawra neighbourhood.
Media reports also highlighted that the RSF resumed heavy artillery attacks on Zamzam camp, a camp for displaced people.
Sources from the camp reported that the death toll had risen to eight, with injuries and extensive damage to homes.
We understand that the other party to the war in Sudan, the Sudanese Air Force (SAF), also joined in the attack on civilians this week with an airstrike that allegedly killed nearly 200 civilians and wounded hundreds more, including women and children, in North Darfur.
With the fight now in its seventh month, a ceasefire is paramount to stop the war crimes that have been committed against the people of Sudan by all parties to the war.
Since the conflict started in April 2023, it has created a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale that has seen over 10 million people displaced from their homes, 26 million people face severe food insecurity, and thousands of children killed and injured.
Development Diaries calls on the RSF and the SAF to immediately cease all hostilities, particularly targeting civilian-populated areas, in line with international humanitarian law.
All warring parties must prioritise the safety of civilians, cease using them as shields, and uphold their obligations under international law to protect human life.
Also, we call on the Sudanese authorities, with support from the international community, to launch independent investigations into the attacks on civilians and ensure that those responsible for war crimes are brought to justice.
And finally, unimpeded access must be granted to humanitarian organisations to deliver critical aid to displaced persons and others affected by the conflict, ensuring the survival of millions facing food insecurity.
Photo source: Dabanga
