Bloody attack by rebels in Sudan: RSF's brutality on Jamzam refugee camp, more than 400 killed, lakhs homeless

Sudan: Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's Darfur region carried out a fierce attack on Zamzam Refugee Camp and Abu Shauk refugee camps, killing more than 400 people. According to the United Nations, the attack took place on 10-12 April 2025, in which at least 148 murders were confirmed, but reliable sources put the death toll at more than 400. This attack has further deepened the world's largest displacement crisis, in which 4 lakh people were displaced. What is the reason for this attack, and what will be its global impact? Let's understand this tragedy with facts.

Attack on Jamzam Camp: What happened?

The Jamjam refugee camp, located 15 km south of the town of Al-Fashir in northern Darfur, was established in 2004 during the Darfur Conflict. The camp is home to about 5 lakh people, mostly women and children. On 10 April 2025, the RSF launched a ground and aerial assault, using artillery, drones, and armored vehicles. At least 20 children, including 9 medical personnel (Relief International Medics), were killed in the attack. The RSF destroyed the camp's only health facility and set several buildings on fire.

UN spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said, "Credible sources have reported more than 400 deaths, and Sunday's attacks have not yet been counted." Experts from Yale University confirmed, based on satellite imagery, that large-scale arson took place in the central, southern, and southeast parts of the camp.

RSF claims and disputes

The RSF denied killing civilians in these attacks and claimed that the Jamjam camp was “successfully liberated”. They accused the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) of using the camp as a “military barracks” and using civilians as “human shields”. However, local activists and human rights groups described it as part of “ethnic cleansing”, especially against the Masalit community.

Humanitarian crisis and global concern

The Jamjam and Abu Shouk camps, which shelter more than 7 lakh people, were already struggling with famine and lack of medical supplies. The World Food Programme confirmed famine in the camp, where a child is dying every two hours. The attack displaced 60,000-80,000 families (about 4 lakh people), and many fled to Al-Fashir and Tawila.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, saying, "This war has lasted more than two years, and civilians have paid the highest price." British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the attacks as "indiscriminate" and hosted a conference in London on 15 April, attended by 20 countries.

Background of Sudan War

Sudan has been fighting a civil war between the RSF and the Sudanese army since April 2023, which began with a struggle for power. The war displaced 15 million people and killed up to 1.5 lakh people. The RSF, which emerged from the Janjaweed Militia, is accused of ethnic violence in Darfur. In March 2025, the Sudanese army recaptured Khartoum, but the RSF strengthened its hold in Darfur.

Global response and India's stance

The US accused the RSF of "genocide" against the Masalit community, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is accused of supporting the RSF, which the UAE rejected. India has advocated humanitarian aid in Sudan and launched Operation Kaveri to evacuate Indian citizens trapped there.

Future challenges

This attack is further complicating Sudan's civil war. The RSF's attempt to take over al-Fashir could escalate violence in Darfur. Human rights groups have called for an investigation into war crimes. "People are suffering from starvation as well as bombing," said Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF).

Conclusion

The RSF attack on the Jamzam refugee camp paints a grim picture of Sudan's humanitarian crisis. More than 400 deaths and 400,000 displaced people reflect the brutality of this war. The global community is now looking to the London conference and efforts to broker a ceasefire. Will this "forgotten war" end, or will there be more bloodshed in Darfur? It depends on time and international intervention.