The United Nations Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) strongly condemned the massacre that occurred in the internally displaced persons camps of “Zamzam” and “Abu Shouk” in Sudan’s Darfur region, which resulted in the deaths of over a hundred civilians, including women, children, and medical workers.
Both parties affirmed that these attacks represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and constitute war crimes that require immediate investigation and accountability for those responsible.
The massacre began on April 11 of this year when the “Rapid Support Forces” targeted defenseless civilians in the camps, according to accounts from survivors and eyewitnesses. The attacks also included widespread looting and destruction of vital infrastructure, including health facilities and schools, further exacerbating the suffering of displaced persons who were already living in catastrophic humanitarian conditions.
Survivors from the “Zamzam” camp, one of the largest internally displaced persons camps in Sudan, confirmed that they are living under conditions resembling a siege, leading to severe famine and mass deaths, particularly among children.
In this context, Mohammed Chandie Osman, Chair of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission, stated: “The world has witnessed two years of brutal conflict that has trapped millions of civilians in horrific conditions, subjecting them to endless violations and suffering.” He pointed to the rise of hate speech and ethnically motivated violence, warning that the darkest chapters of this conflict have yet to unfold.
For its part, the African Commission expressed deep concern over the escalating violence against civilians in Sudan, particularly in long-standing conflict zones such as Darfur. It emphasized the urgent need to take steps to protect the most vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons and refugees, and called on Sudanese authorities to fulfill their responsibility to protect civilians and ensure respect for human rights.
