16 killed in shelling of displaced persons camp in Sudan’s North Darfur

January 12, 2025 (EL-FASHER) – Shelling killed at least 16 people and wounded dozens at a displaced persons camp in Sudan’s North Darfur on Saturday, camp management said, blaming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Since early December, the RSF has repeatedly shelled the Zamzam camp, located about 12 km south of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The attacks have killed and wounded scores of people and forced thousands to flee, according to local officials and aid workers.

The RSF has said it is targeting the camp because a rival joint force from El-Fasher has allegedly retreated into the area, using the displaced as human shields. The joint force has denied the accusation.

The Zamzam camp is home to nearly two million displaced people, according to the United Nations.

A statement issued by the Zamzam camp’s management committee and seen by Sudan Tribune said: “The number of casualties from the artillery shelling carried out by the Rapid Support Forces on the camp yesterday, Saturday, reached 16 dead and about 42 wounded.”

The committee said the actual number of casualties may be higher as relatives had buried some victims before notifying camp authorities.

The committee appealed to international organizations for help in evacuating the wounded and providing intravenous fluids, blood bags, and other medical supplies.

In August, international aid organizations declared a famine in the Zamzam camp due to food shortages resulting from a blockade imposed by the RSF on El-Fasher, the state capital.

There was no immediate comment from the RSF.