Paramilitary Attack in Sudan Leaves Over 40 Dead Amid Escalating Violence

 

A deadly attack by paramilitary forces in central Sudan has claimed at least 40 lives, highlighting the intensifying conflict in the region, a local medic reported to AFP. The assault began Tuesday evening in the village of Wad Rawah, located near Wad Oshaib in Al-Jazira state, and continued into Wednesday morning.

“All 40 victims suffered direct gunshot wounds,” stated the medic, who requested anonymity for safety reasons due to repeated attacks on healthcare workers. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group embroiled in a violent power struggle with Sudan’s army, were identified as the perpetrators. Eyewitnesses confirmed that RSF fighters looted properties following the attack.

This incident is part of a month-long campaign of violence in Al-Jazira, a region vital to Sudan's agriculture, historically known as the country’s breadbasket. The violence, which escalated after a key RSF commander defected to the army, has displaced over 340,000 people in the state.

The ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has devastated the nation. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost, and over 11 million people have been displaced, with more than 3 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

The war has exacerbated a severe humanitarian crisis, with both sides accused of war crimes, including summary executions and targeting civilian areas. In eastern Al-Jazira, some villages have been cut off from essential supplies, resulting in widespread illness and suffering.

Residents of Al-Hilaliya village report being isolated for weeks, with dozens falling ill from suspected poisoned food. The UN has warned that 80% of health facilities in conflict zones are now non-functional, leaving displaced populations without access to critical services.

The United Nations has labeled the situation one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed alarm over the deteriorating conditions, noting the spread of diseases like cholera and a looming famine due to infrastructure collapse and limited aid.

“People are now sheltering in the open, including children, women, the elderly, and the sick,” Dujarric stated, urging immediate international action to address the escalating crisis.

As violence continues to displace thousands, the plight of Sudan’s civilians grows increasingly dire, with no resolution to the conflict in sight.