THU 17 APR -- The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has doubled its presence in and around Zamzam camp amid ongoing atrocities at the site and ahead of an expected assault on El Fasher, satellite imagery suggests. The group took the camp, the largest for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan, on Sunday following days of ground-assaults.

The latest assessment from the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), released yesterday, shows that much of the camp has since been razed and that “mass atrocities, including mass killing, torture, and conflict-related sexual violence, are likely ongoing”.

It also identified the “presence of RSF troops equivalent in number to a regular infantry-sized large brigade to a small division force in and around Zamzam”. Satellite imagery showed around 350 vehicles in the eastern region of the camp and at least 50 in other areas, adding that the number of vehicles had “at least doubled” between Friday 11th April, when the RSF began its assault, and Wednesday 16th April. 

“The majority of vehicles visible in satellite imagery appear to have mounted weapons,” HRL said. HRL previously identified a force of around 200 vehicles at Zamzam and judged that they were “highly likely positioned to launch an imminent assault” on El Fasher, which sits around 10 miles north of Zamzam and is the only state-capital in Darfur not yet under RSF control.

The latest assessment said the armed RSF force “poses a significant threat” to El Fasher. Sources in the city told Avaaz that it is now under constant shelling. 

The HRL also concluded that the RSF was carrying out “intentional arson attacks” in Zamzam, with active fires present every day since 11th April and the destruction of an area equivalent to 24 football pitches. 

A satellite image taken at 12.28 UTC on Wednesday 16th showed thick black smoke rising from an active fire in the camp as well as dozens of discrete areas of scorched earth among the surrounding buildings. 

Other images also showed vehicles positioned around the outskirts of Zamzam, including at all four of its major access points. HRL said the vehicles were probably part of checkpoints set up to limit “civilian freedom of movement for those attempting to escape”.

On Wednesday, the UN expressed concern about the “escalating violence and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in and around El Fasher”.

Discussing the situation in Zamzam at a briefing in New York, spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay said: “Civilians, including humanitarian workers, are reportedly being prevented from leaving, and survivors have spoken of killings, sexual violence and also of the burning of homes.

“Once again, we call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and to facilitate humanitarian access.”

Voices from the Ground

Interviews available on request. Names have been changed due to safety concerns.

Avaaz hosted a virtual press conference today with Mohamed*, a volunteer with an emergency response room who survived the RSF’s massacres in Zamzam. He shared that he was shot in the thigh and escaped from Zamzam after three days of attacks under the cover of darkness. His friends carried him to El Fasher on their shoulders. Please find some select quotes below. 

A recording of the full event is available on the link below. The passcode is 4mSMk?f4. 

A live interpreter was also present at the press conference. Click on the globe icon in the bottom right corner of the player to select your language.

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/b7kp3axQsFGBlHPiJ1muwSVZNtfuyA5YBfYqSQDEgbfWILEp96EvRNZH0vUWVrxC.3qxqXXF-DMVk1rdm?startTime=1744884356000 

On escaping Zamzam for El Fasher
“I have witnessed dehumanising actions that I can’t even begin to verbalise. Whenever anybody tried to flee they would be captured and humiliated. When a family tries to flee or retreat [using a donkey or a horse], they would be taken away from them. The children would be running and shaking from the atrocities they are witnessing. The elderly, because of their mobility restrictions, would be burnt alive in their homes. People in their cars trying to flee to El Fasher and other areas… they would also be burned alive in their vehicles. There were many people we were unable to help. We had to leave them in the heat of the sun. We had to leave them in [the midst of] live ammunition, whether from the right or the left.

“We’re asking for immediate intervention - today, before tomorrow - to actually provide aid and help to [people] who have fled, or to create open and safe passages. We have volunteers to provide… the services. [We only need things] as simple as water.”

On the ethnic motivations for the RSF’s attacks
“The RSF have been attacking many camps for displaced people in Darfur… for ethnic purposes. The purpose of the attack on Zamzam camp is to completely cleanse… any leaders that do not belong to their political agenda or plan. The point is to forcefully displace all of these groups and for them to have an easier process to change the demographic of the people and to eradicate all of the other non-RSF leadership that is there. It’s an extension of all of the tribal aggressions that were there. This gives justification and understanding to all of the racial slurs and language that has been used. The main point is a full-scale mass genocide.”

On what will happen to civilians in El Fasher if the RSF takes the city
“If the RSF attacks El Fasher, the average person that [have left] Zamzam camp - and specifically a portion of the youth - are the ones who would be most targeted for genocide. [They are also] on the streets and have no shelter. So they are in fear. If these attacks do happen in El Fasher, it will be another large-scale massacre. There is nothing that we can do other than to seek refuge in homes. If they manage to actually take over the city, our future is to follow [those] who have been victims of what has happened in Zamzam.”

The weekly dispatch features the latest developments, first-hand testimony, footage, photos, stats and analysis on Sudan. We can connect you with voices from the ground, experts and survivors of the war. I am available at +44 7935 296 004 / sudan@avaaz.org
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