Sudan’s North Darfur: Civilians Trapped in Growing Violence and Hunger Crisis - More than 400 killed Since April 10
- VFGSA
- Apr 27
- 2 min read

Sudan’s North Darfur region is witnessing an alarming rise in civilian deaths, displacement, and humanitarian collapse, the United Nations warned on Friday. According to the UN human rights office, at least 481 civilians have been confirmed killed since April 10, although the actual figure is likely much higher.
The violence stems from the brutal conflict that erupted on April 15, 2023, between Sudan’s regular army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. North Darfur has become one of the key battlegrounds, with catastrophic effects on civilians.

The UN reported that among the 481 casualties, "at least 210 civilians, including nine medical professionals," were killed in the Zamzam displacement camp between April 11 and 13. In addition, "at least 129 civilians" lost their lives between Sunday and Thursday in El Fasher city, Um Kedada district, and the Abu Shouk displacement camp.
"The rising number of civilian casualties and the widespread reports of sexual violence are horrifying," said UN human rights chief Volker Türk. His office has "heard accounts of people being abducted from Zamzam IDP camp and of women, girls and boys being raped or gang raped there or as they tried to escape the attacks."
Dozens of deaths have also been reported from lack of food, water, and medical care, either in RSF-run detention facilities or among civilians attempting to flee through harsh desert conditions.
The UN described the conditions for displaced people as dire, warning of "continued restrictions on access to lifesaving humanitarian assistance." Many of the newly displaced had already fled previous waves of violence during Sudan’s long-running conflict.
Volker Türk voiced deep concern over "continued attacks on humanitarian workers and medical personnel," adding that, "the systems to assist victims in many areas are on the verge of collapse, medical workers are themselves under threat and even water sources have been deliberately attacked."
"The suffering of the Sudanese people is hard to imagine, harder to comprehend and simply impossible to accept," Türk stated.
Echoing these concerns, UN agencies on Friday called for urgent international action to prevent further atrocities and worsening famine in Sudan. They warned that the conflict risks descending into full-scale ethnic violence in Darfur, similar to the atrocities witnessed in the early 2000s.
“The situation in El Fasher and across Darfur is rapidly deteriorating. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations continue to struggle to reach those in need. Widespread insecurity, deliberate targeting of aid workers, and blockades have left entire communities without food, clean water, or medical support.
As the world’s largest displacement and hunger crises unfold, Sudan’s people remain trapped in a worsening nightmare with little relief in sight.
Comments