The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a devastating attack on Zamzam, the largest displacement camp in Sudan, killing at least 400 civilians and forcing 700,000 people to flee. The violence began with shelling, followed by anti-aircraft gun fire and racist slurs, leaving many dead or injured.
Rescuers were unable to treat wounded civilians due to a lack of medical supplies, and many were forced to hide for two days before seeking help. Eyewitnesses describe the fighters as “barbaric” and “inhumane,” attacking people in their homes and cars while chanting racist slurs.
The camp’s population had grown significantly since the start of the civil war, with many fleeing other parts of Darfur controlled by the RSF. The UN estimates 400,000 people have fled Zamzam, heading to nearby cities like El Fasher or Tawila.
Humanitarian organizations report overcrowded hospitals and a severe shortage of food, water, and shelter in both El Fasher and Tawila. Many families arrived with injuries and dehydration, while others were looted on the road.
Campaigners accuse the RSF of using civilians as human shields to prevent the Sudanese army from launching a counterattack. They claim that fighters are stopping people on roads based on skin color, in an apparent bid for mass genocide.
The situation remains dire, with fires continuing to spread and many wounded patients left untreated. Humanitarian researchers estimate that 24 football pitches were destroyed by fire during the attack.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/apr/18/survivors-attack-sudan-zamzam-camp-rapid-support-forces-paramilitaries