Sudan medics: Thousands fleeing RSF attacks in North Darfur face 'dire conditions'

The Sudan Doctors Network issued an urgent alert Thursday describing catastrophic humanitarian conditions for thousands of civilians displaced by Rapid Support Forces attacks on the town of Mustariha in North Darfur. The medical group stated that families fled suddenly without warning, leaving behind all belongings and sources of support, and spent nights in the open without shelter, food, or safe drinking water.

Women Bearing Brunt of Displacement

Spokesperson Dr. Tasneem Al-Amin reported that more than 3,000 displaced people, predominantly women including pregnant women, now face "extremely severe health and humanitarian conditions." The group appealed to international and humanitarian organizations to urgently provide shelter, food, water, and healthcare to save affected families whose suffering has been exacerbated by the RSF attacks. The paramilitary force controls four of Darfur's five states, with parts of North Darfur remaining under army control.

Conflict Context and Worsening Crisis

Since April 2023, the RSF and Sudanese army have fought over disputes related to integrating the paramilitary force into the military, triggering famine conditions in what international organizations consider one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions across Sudan. Darfur comprises approximately one-fifth of Sudan's territory, while most of the country's 50 million population lives in army-controlled areas including the capital Khartoum. The latest displacement adds to the mounting humanitarian toll as fighting continues unabated.