Activists launch humanitarian appeal for displaced families in Sudan’s North Darfur

November 7, 2026 (UMBARU, Sudan) – Activists on Saturday launched a humanitarian appeal to save hundreds of displaced families in Sudan’s North Darfur state following attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Early last week, the RSF attacked the areas of Mizbid, Arouri, Um Marahik, and Abu Haraz in the Umbaru locality, which is predominantly inhabited by the African Zaghawa ethnic group.

Local sources accused the RSF of committing widespread abuses against civilians during the attacks, including ethnically targeted killings and arrests.

The paramilitary group was also accused of destroying service facilities, including a hospital in Mizbid and a water source in Arouri.

The violence prompted thousands of residents to flee their homes for safer areas, raising fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis amid shortages of food, water, and shelter.

The North Darfur Emergency Room Council called for urgent humanitarian intervention to provide safe corridors for civilian evacuations.

The council stressed the need for immediate protection, shelter, food, and healthcare for those affected in the Umbaru locality.

Families who fled the conflict are sleeping in the open and sheltering under trees without blankets to protect them from the winter cold, the council said in a statement.

Women, children, and the elderly face increasing risks as temperatures drop and living conditions deteriorate.

The crisis is worsening due to severe water scarcity and a lack of basic humanitarian aid, leaving displaced families struggling to secure daily necessities.

Umbaru, which remains under the control of the Sudanese army and allied Joint Force, has previously faced RSF attacks that forced most residents to flee to neighbouring Chad.