KHARTOUM — The United Nations has confirmed that at least 542 civilians have been killed in Sudan’s North Darfur over the past three weeks, describing the situation as catastrophic and warning that the true number of casualties could be significantly higher.
In a statement issued on Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the ongoing civil war in Sudan has led to an alarming escalation of violence, especially in the Darfur region, where fighting has intensified.
“The horror unfolding in Sudan knows no bounds,” Türk declared, stressing that the international community must act urgently to protect civilians caught in the crossfire.
Darfur: A War-Torn Battleground
Since civil war erupted on April 15, 2023, between Sudan’s national army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, Darfur has become one of the deadliest flashpoints in the conflict.
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Thousands have already died, and the United Nations and humanitarian agencies describe the resulting humanitarian catastrophe as the largest displacement and hunger crisis in the world.
The conflict in El-Fasher, the last major city in Darfur not under RSF control, has reached a boiling point. In recent weeks, the RSF has launched a series of aggressive attacks to reclaim ground lost after the fall of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.
Civilians Targeted in Escalating Attacks
Among the latest incidents, Türk referenced an attack by the RSF on El-Fasher and the Abu Shouk displacement camp, where at least 40 civilians were reportedly killed. This assault brought the confirmed civilian death toll in North Darfur to at least 542 within a span of three weeks.
“The reality is likely far worse,” Türk noted. “We fear that many more lives have been lost and remain uncounted.”
Alarming Reports of War Crimes
The UN also raised the alarm about disturbing reports of extrajudicial executions occurring beyond Darfur. In Khartoum state, graphic videos have surfaced online allegedly showing at least 30 unarmed men in civilian clothing being executed by men wearing RSF uniforms in the Al-Salha area of Omdurman.
In one of the videos, an RSF commander appears to acknowledge responsibility for the killings.
Moreover, Türk cited reports implicating a pro-army militia known as the Al-Baraa Brigade in similar extrajudicial executions in southern Khartoum, where dozens were accused of aiding the RSF.
“Targeting civilians or those who are no longer participating in hostilities constitutes a war crime,” Türk emphasized, calling for accountability.
Urgent Call for Ceasefire and Protection of Civilians
The human rights chief revealed that he had personally reached out to both the RSF and SAF leadership to express grave concerns over the catastrophic human rights violations unfolding in Sudan.
“Millions of Sudanese are living this nightmare daily,” Türk said. “The suffering must end — it’s far past time for this war to cease.”
Crisis Deepens with Worsening Humanitarian Conditions
The conflict has driven millions from their homes, exacerbating hunger and pushing humanitarian aid systems to the brink of collapse. El-Fasher’s civilian population remains trapped, with little access to food, water, or medical care, as clashes continue to rage around them.
Human rights groups and international observers are calling for immediate action from the global community to halt the violence and ensure the protection of civilians in both Darfur and other conflict-affected regions of Sudan.