The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) condemns in the strongest terms the atrocious, deliberate and ruthless attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Zamzam and Abu Shouk IDP camps, located near El Fasher in Northern Darfur.
According to multiple credible sources, dozens of civilians — including women, children, and medical personnel — have been killed or severely injured due to indiscriminate shelling and direct attacks on populated areas by both parties to the conflict. Essential civilian structures, including clinics, shelters and humanitarian centres, have been deliberately targeted and destroyed, resulting in mass displacement and further exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
The ACHPR considers these acts to be serious violations of international humanitarian law and fundamental rights, in particular the obligations enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Attacks deliberately targeting civilian populations, humanitarian infrastructure and health workers could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity and require an urgent response.
The Commission underscores that, in accordance with international law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the State of Sudan bears the obligation to prevent, investigate, and punish serious human rights violations committed within its territory. As such, the State is obliged to take immediate and concrete measures to stop attacks, protect the civilian population, cooperate with regional and international investigative mechanisms, and ensure that the perpetrators of such acts are brought to justice.
The Commission demands an immediate end to these acts of unspeakable cruelty and calls for the immediate implementation of accountability mechanisms, including independent and impartial investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice. It also calls for immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps and surrounding areas.
The ACHPR expresses its solidarity with the victims and their families and reaffirms its commitment to closely monitor developments in Sudan. It will continue to mobilize relevant regional and international mechanisms to ensure the protection of human rights, justice and human dignity in the face of these atrocities.
End
Done in Banjul, The Gambia on 14th April 2025
Honorable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem
Rapporteur on human rights in the Republic of Sudan
