27k+ seek refuge in Jebel Marra amidst Darfur conflict

The spokesperson for the Darfur Displaced and Refugees Camps Coordination, Adam Rujal, reported that 4,860 families, comprising 27,425 individuals, have recently sought refuge in Jebel Marra, Central Darfur, according to a statement yesterday. This influx coincides with ongoing clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their supporting factions against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

According to Rujal, these families migrated to Jebel Marra between May 24 and June 3, 2024. He highlighted the severe conditions facing the displaced, including critical shortages of food, medicine, water, and shelter.

Denouncing the daily violations of human rights in Darfur, Rujal attributed them to blockades on unarmed civilians and the weaponisation of essential resources.

The worsening humanitarian crisis is also characterised by soaring food prices and scarcity in local markets, he said. “Basic necessities like cooking oil and soap have become unaffordable.”

The displaced leaderurged all parties involved in the conflict to prioritise ethical and humanitarian considerations by agreeing to a permanent ceasefire. 

He called on the United Nations, its agencies, and other international humanitarian organisations to urgently intervene to address the escalating suffering and hunger in the region.

‘Three children slain’

In an incident on Monday, reports state that three displaced persons were killed by the RSF between El Fasher and Mellit in North Darfur. According to the Darfur Displaced and Refugees Camps Coordination, the three slain displaced individuals were children.

The RSF, which has been besieging El Fasher for weeks, stopped two cars carrying commercial goods and passengers on their way to Mellit. 

After disembarking the passengers, the RSF targeted individuals from a specific ethnic group, fatally shooting three of them in front of the other passengers. The cars were looted, and the remaining people were subjected to abuse.