Renewed clashes erupt in El Fasher, leaving one dead and four injured

 January 24, 2024 (EL-FASHER) – Fresh battles erupted between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, leaving one person dead and four others injured.

The city of El Fasher remained tense as both parties to the conflict continued to amass troops, anticipating a potential full-scale confrontation. The armed movements have also mobilized their forces, vowing to intervene if civilians come under attack.

The RSF, which holds control over four out of five Sudanese states in the Darfur region, is aiming to seize El Fasher, the sole city in Darfur where the army maintains a significant presence.

In a statement released by the Abu Shouk IDP camp’s emergency room, it was reported that “violent clashes occurred between the army and the RSF, utilizing heavy and light weapons, near the camp and the valley separating the Al-Salam and Abuja IDP camps in El Fasher, resulting in one fatality and four injuries of varying degrees.”

Witnesses recounted that the fighting erupted when a substantial RSF contingent attempted to advance deep into El Fasher through the Mellit Gate, only to be repelled by the army’s advanced defences stationed near Abu Shouk camp.

Residents of Abu Shouk camp have endured widespread abuses in recent times due to sporadic clashes between the opposing forces surrounding and within the camp.

A prominent figure within the joint force of the armed movements that signed the Juba Agreement has cautioned against the continued targeting of Abu Shouk camp’s inhabitants by both sides of the El Fasher conflict.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune, the senior military official, who preferred to remain anonymous, asserted that the joint force would not tolerate the victimization of war victims residing in the North Darfur IDP camps. “We have warned the two sides against clashing in the displaced areas, and that we will intervene to protect civilians if any attacks occur again,” they declared.

The joint force currently controls significant portions of El Fasher, including the main markets, the headquarters of international organizations, and several government institutions. Some members of the force have threatened to confront the RSF if they attempt to seize control of the city.