Chaos in Sudan: Over 540 Civilians Killed in Ongoing Civil War
Civilian death toll in Sudan surpasses 540, as per United Nations report
Brace yourself, the turmoil in Sudan is far from over. With continuous conflict between government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), hundreds of civilians have fallen victim. The grim reality is painted by the United Nations, reporting targeted attacks and summary executions.
In a span of just three weeks, at least 542 innocent souls were cruelly claimed in North Darfur, Sudan, as per the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. He warns that the actual casualty count might be far higher. "This carnage unfolding in Sudan shows no sign of mercy," the Commissioner stated.
Recently, the RSF launched a series of coordinated assaults on Al-Fashir, the provincial capital of North Darfur, and the nearby refugee camp Abu Shouk. These brutal attacks took the lives of at least 40 civilians, as per Türk's report.
The living conditions in and around Al-Fashir are catastrophic, as per Volker Türk. Additionally, extrajudicial killings are increasingly reported in the state of Khartoum, where the capital lies.
Sudan, a nation of around 50 million people on the Horn of Africa, has been grappling with civil war for two years now. The power struggle between government troops and the RSF militia has plunged the world into the largest humanitarian crisis, according to aid organizations. Millions are on the run, and are at risk of starvation. The region of Darfur, which borders Chad, is particularly hit hard.
Here's a snapshot of the ongoing crisis:
- Human Rights Violations: Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF have been accused of committing war crimes, including attacking civilians in a targeted and indiscriminate manner. The RSF, in particular, has been linked to systematic killings and sexual violence, earning a genocide determination by the U.S. Department of State in January 2025.
- Civil Conflict and Affected Areas: The conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, has since spread nationwide, affecting major areas like Khartoum and Darfur. Tens of millions of people have been affected, with tens of thousands of civilian casualties.
- Specific Instances: The Sudan Shield Forces (allied with SAF) attacked Tayba Village in Gezira state, resulting in the deaths of 26 people on January 10, 2025. In February 2025, the RSF was involved in a massacre in White Nile state that led to the deaths of hundreds, including infants.
- Areas Affected: Gezira state, Darfur, and Khartoum and its surroundings have been severely impacted by the conflict. Brutal attacks on civilians have been reported in Gezira, ethnic cleansing in Darfur, and persistent fighting in Khartoum.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The catastrophic conflict has exacerbated famine conditions, and both parties continue to obstruct humanitarian aid.
The urgency for international intervention to safeguard civilians and ensure aid access cannot be overstated, as the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate.
- Despite the community policy and employment policy efforts, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, causing millions to face the risks of starvation.
- As per Volker, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have been accused of violating employment policy, committing war crimes such as attacking civilians in a targeted and indiscriminate manner.
- In a general-news report, it was stated that the recent political unfolding in Sudan, as a result of the civil war, has led to the deaths of at least 542 civilians, as per a statement made by Volker, and the actual casualty count might be far higher.
- In light of the recurring episodes of crime-and-justice like extrajudicial killings, aid organizations have deemed the situation in Sudan as the largest humanitarian crisis in the world today.
