In April, a Sudanese paramilitary group seized control of a displacement camp in Darfur, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 civilians, with about one-third of them being summarily executed, as per a report by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR). Prior to the assault on April 11-13, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had obstructed the entry of food and supplies to the Zamzam camp in Darfur, where nearly 500,000 people displaced by civil war resided.
During the attack, the RSF targeted civilians, leading to widespread atrocities such as killings, rape, torture, and abductions. Survivors recounted instances of violence, with at least 319 individuals being executed within the camp or while attempting to escape. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, emphasized that the deliberate targeting of civilians could amount to the war crime of murder.
Based on interviews conducted in July 2025 with 155 survivors and witnesses who had fled to Chad, the report highlighted the dire conditions at the Zamzam camp, situated about 15 kilometers south of al Fasher. The camp, initially set up for those displaced by the Darfur conflict that started in 2003, saw a surge in inhabitants in 2023 due to violence in the region.
The RSF’s actions, including artillery fire, drone strikes, and ground offensives, resulted in significant casualties, with reports of ethnically motivated violence. The OHCHR documented numerous incidents of conflict-related sexual violence, affecting over 100 victims, predominantly females.
Despite previous denials by the RSF of harming civilians, the group faced allegations of committing atrocities in the Zamzam camp and later in El Fasher. The aftermath of the April attack was followed by further violence in El Fasher in late October, where thousands were reported missing following alleged executions and kidnappings by the RSF.
The RSF has yet to comment on the allegations. Access the full report for more details on the tragic events.