In the aftermath of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) brutal attack on Zamzam Camp — one of Darfur’s largest and oldest displacement camps —on April 12, 2025, new and horrifying details continue to emerge. Zamzam, home to between 350,000 and 500,000 displaced civilians, has become the latest epicentre of mass atrocity crimes perpetrated by the RSF.
As of April 13, 2025, verified reports now confirm that 330 civilians have been killed, including 42 women and girls. At least 200 women have been injured — many of whom reached medical facilities in El Fasher for urgent care. Additionally, 8 children have been wounded in Zamzam camp, sustaining life-threatening injuries. 20 children are further reported as dead following the attacks on Zamzam and Abshouk camps.
SIHA Network remains devastated by the loss of two female volunteers who led the women’s community kitchens we support in Zamzam. These women were at the forefront of community care and survival efforts. Their deaths are part of the broader devastation inflicted upon civilian-run services in the camp.
What is most distressing is the inability of civilians to flee. Only 2,000 people have managed to flee to El Fasher. Others have fled to Tawila town, west of El Fasher. However, hundreds of women, children, and elderly civilians remain missing or trapped inside Zamzam Camp under grave and life-threatening conditions — without protection, food, water, or medical care.
We have also confirmed reports of sexual violence committed by RSF fighters during the attack. 8 women who reached El Fasher reported instances of rape inflicted on them by RSF soldiers on April 13, inside the camp. In addition, eyewitnesses reported abductions of at least 25 women and girls by RSF fighters using military vehicles.
The people of Darfur — have endured over 22 years of atrocities, massacres, and genocide. The time for action is long overdue.
SIHA Network urgently calls on:
- The United Nations, the African Union, and the broader international community to establish an urgent hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur with a clear mandate to protect civilians and enforce existing Security Council Resolutions.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and humanitarian actors to immediately coordinate safe humanitarian corridors for civilians trapped in Zamzam and other conflict hotspots, enabling safe evacuation, medical access, and humanitarian aid delivery.
SIHA Network continues to advocate for international justice and accountability as the foundation for peace and stability in Sudan. There can be no peace without justice. Perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide must be held accountable — to restore dignity, peace, and safety to the people of Darfur and the Sudanese people at large.
