An attack by paramilitary forces on a village in central Sudan has claimed the lives of 40 people, a medic from Wad Rawah Hospital reported to AFP on Wednesday. The victims suffered direct gunshot wounds, according to the medic, who requested anonymity due to repeated attacks on medical personnel.
The attack, attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), began on Tuesday evening in Wad Oshaib village, located 100 kilometers north of Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazira state. Eyewitnesses reported that the assault resumed on Wednesday morning, accompanied by widespread looting.
This incident is the latest in a month-long series of attacks by the RSF in Al-Jazira, following the defection of a prominent paramilitary commander to the Sudanese army. The violence has escalated in the state, a key agricultural hub, forcing over 340,000 residents to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.
The war between the Sudanese army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has ravaged the country since April 2023. Tens of thousands have been killed, while over 11 million people have been displaced, including more than 3 million who have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
Villages Under Siege
The conflict has seen entire villages in Al-Jazira besieged by RSF fighters, with allegations of war crimes, summary executions, and systematic looting. Residents of Al-Hilaliya village have been cut off from essential supplies, and dozens have reportedly fallen ill due to “poisoned food,” according to local sources and rights groups.
UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis, stating that the violence is “putting the lives of tens of thousands of people at risk.” Many displaced people have arrived in neighboring states after walking for days with no belongings.
The conflict has led to the collapse of 80 percent of health facilities in affected areas, exacerbating a dire health crisis marked by cholera outbreaks and looming famine. Sudan now faces one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent memory, with 26 million people suffering from acute hunger.
Even in relatively safe areas, displaced populations, including children, women, and the elderly, are sheltering in the open with little access to basic necessities. The UN has called for urgent international action to address the unfolding disaster in Sudan.
AFP
