Forces allied with Sudan’s army intercepted a large military supply shipment meant for the RSF in North Darfur, leading to accusations of shelling civilian areas. The RSF denied these claims. Humanitarian concerns grow, with cholera outbreaks reported and millions displaced amid the conflict. The UN urges immediate intervention to avert potential famine and further atrocities.
On Friday, forces supporting Sudan’s army announced that they had intercepted a significant shipment of military supplies headed for the opposing Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur. The RSF refuted these claims, labeling them as “incorrect and mere lies,” and Reuters has not been able to independently verify the assertion.
The Joint Forces, composed of former rebel factions aligned with the Sudanese army, accused the RSF of resupplying provisions intended for indiscriminate shelling in Al-Fasher and Omdurman, along with attacks on camps for internally displaced individuals.
In connection with the region’s dire humanitarian situation, Save the Children reported that at least 70 people have succumbed to cholera, with over 2,200 infections recorded in southern Sudan over the past week. Meanwhile, the RSF has been implicated in ongoing assaults in North Darfur, notably targeting the famine-stricken Zamzam camp.
The intercepted convoy, seized southeast of Al-Fasher, reportedly consisted of a vast stockpile of military resources, such as 10,000 rounds of 40mm artillery, 12,000 howitzer shells, alongside various rockets and bombs, according to the Joint Forces. Furthermore, they announced the elimination of foreign mercenaries during the interception, noting previous encounters with Colombian fighters.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF escalated into widespread warfare in April 2023, obstructing the anticipated transition towards civilian governance and provoking a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, expressed concerns over the potential for escalated violence and mass starvation across Sudan.
In his address, Turk characterized the situation as critically perilous, asserting that without immediate intervention, Sudan risks a devastating humanitarian calamity that could claim hundreds of thousands of lives. He disclosed that over 600,000 individuals are nearing starvation, with famine already reported in five areas, including the Zamzam camp in North Darfur.
Turk highlighted that approximately 8.8 million people have been displaced internally, while an additional 3.5 million have fled to neighboring countries, making it the largest displacement crisis globally. He appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance, estimating that 30.4 million individuals require varied forms of support, ranging from food to healthcare.
Concluding his report, Turk noted that the actions perpetrated amid the conflict may likely constitute war crimes and other serious human rights violations. In response, Sudanese Justice Minister Muawiya Osman placed blame on the RSF for initiating the conflict, accusing them of such acts as forcing civilians from their homes and obstructing aid efforts.
In summary, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to devastating humanitarian consequences, including widespread displacement and severe food insecurity. The interception of military supplies underscores the escalating tensions between the Sudanese army and the RSF, while international efforts to address the crisis remain critically needed. The UN’s warnings of potential famine and mass atrocities emphasize the urgent call for intervention and support for the millions affected by this crisis.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
