Darfur Victims Support Organization
October 7, 2024
Report on the Bombing of Abu Shouk IDP Camp (Nivasha) by the Rapid Support Forces on October 6, 2024
On the morning of October 6, 2024, fierce clashes erupted between the Sudanese army and armed movements on one side, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the other, in El Fasher, North Darfur. The clashes were concentrated in the northern and eastern areas of the Abu Shouk IDP camp. The fighting began around 9:00 AM and continued until 11:30 AM.
In a serious escalation, at around 12:00 PM, the RSF launched heavy artillery strikes on the camp. According to reliable eyewitnesses, approximately 40 artillery shells of 65-, 80-, and 120-mm calibers landed inside the camp. The shells were fired from RSF positions in the eastern area behind Mount Abu Ja camp, targeting blocks 27 and 28, the northern extension of block 25, and block 21 in the western part of the camp. The bombardment continued until 5:00 PM, resulting in widespread destruction of civilian homes, the deaths of four civilians, and the injury of 10 others, some severely.
The Darfur Victims Support Organization strongly condemns this violent attack on innocent civilians in the IDP camp, considering it a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights. The organization calls for an immediate and comprehensive cessation of all hostilities against civilians and urges that those responsible for these crimes be brought to justice in accordance with international legal standards.
Recommendations:
1. Investigation and Accountability: The Darfur Victims Support Organization calls for an urgent and thorough investigation into these attacks, with accountability for all involved, whether military leaders or field operatives, ensuring their prosecution before the relevant judicial bodies, either domestically or internationally.
2. Civilian Protection: The organization urges the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations to take necessary measures to protect civilians in Darfur, including the activation of effective mechanisms to monitor the field situation and ensure an end to the targeting of civilians.
3. Lifting the Siege on El Fasher: The organization renews its call for the RSF to immediately lift the siege on El Fasher and allow the entry of necessary humanitarian aid to affected areas, enabling citizens to resume their lives without direct threats to their safety and security.
Conclusion:
This tragic incident is part of a long series of ongoing violations in Darfur since the conflict erupted in the region, where civilians in IDP camps live under constant threat to their safety. The deliberate targeting of civilians, especially in IDP camps, represents one of the most serious practices that violate international law and endanger the lives of thousands of innocent people. Over the years, as the conflict has intensified, indiscriminate and direct attacks on civilians continue to reinforce a reality of violence and destruction in Darfur, exacerbating the suffering of displaced persons and impeding efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.
The Darfur Victims Support Organization emphasizes that the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the camps and the ongoing attacks by the warring parties cannot be viewed as isolated incidents. They are part of a deeper crisis that requires a comprehensive and immediate response from the international community. Failure to address these violations fosters a culture of impunity and encourages those responsible to continue committing crimes against civilians.
Under these circumstances, the organization calls for urgent international intervention to impose binding measures to halt the targeting of civilians and restore normalcy. International and regional stakeholders must also take responsibility for supporting the political process that could lead to the resolution of the conflict in Darfur. Military solutions alone have not and will not bring peace and stability to the region; strong diplomatic efforts must accompany them, aimed at addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Additionally, the responsibility to protect civilians lies with both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. They must fully comply with international humanitarian laws, ensure the protection of civilians, and provide necessary aid. The international community cannot remain passive in the face of these horrifying crimes. A firm stance is required, calling for an end to this bloody conflict and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
In conclusion, the Darfur Victims Support Organization reaffirms its commitment to continuing to monitor and document the violations faced by civilians in Darfur, providing necessary support to the victims, and working with international and regional organizations to ensure justice and accountability for all those involved in these crimes. The organization calls on all concerned parties to act responsibly and work diligently toward ending the violence and finding lasting, peaceful solutions to the crisis.
