Civilians in North Darfur’s capital, el-Fasher, and nearby towns are facing starvation as a result of a year-long siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Joint Forces, supported by the army, have managed to prevent an invasion, but the besieged civilians are now desperate for help. The largest refugee camp in North Darfur, Zamzam camp, is already suffering from famine, according to the United Nations. The army has dropped some food aid from warplanes, but supplies are running low.
The conflict between the RSF and the army has caused a humanitarian crisis, with atrocities being committed by both sides. The RSF has captured most of Darfur, with North Darfur being the last holdout. There are fears that the army may neglect the region in favor of central and northern Sudan. Some believe that public opinion may influence the army’s decision to continue fighting in Darfur.
The indiscriminate warfare in Darfur has resulted in civilian casualties, including a tragic incident in Torra village where hundreds were killed during Ramadan. The army’s air strikes are seen as a deterrent against RSF fighters, but most civilians fear an RSF invasion more. The RSF has been accused of escalating abuses in North Darfur, including killings and destruction of property.
There are concerns that the Joint Forces may seek a deal with the RSF to avoid further bloodshed, but civilians fear that this could lead to ethnic cleansing. The situation in Darfur remains dire, with the army and the RSF locked in a deadly conflict that has devastated the region. Sangat susah untuk membayangkan mereka menyerah kepada RSF, karena RSF bisa membunuh semua orang [non-Arab] yang tinggal di sini,” katanya.
“Komunitas [non-Arab] menganggap Darfur Utara sebagai tanah mereka; tidak mungkin bagi mereka untuk pergi.
“Mereka akan tinggal atau mati di sini,” tambahnya.