Khartoum: The ongoing crisis in Sudan’s Darfur region continues to escalate, with recent shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) resulting in the death of at least 12 individuals and injuring five others, according to local activists. The RSF, which has been engaged in conflict with the Sudanese regular army since April of the previous year, has gained significant control over the region.

According to Nam News Network, the attack occurred north of Kutum, where the RSF also reportedly took three people captive. The situation in Darfur has deteriorated severely, with the region’s governor, Mini Minawi, reporting that the RSF has set fire to approximately 20 villages. Minawi, a former rebel leader, has ties to the regular army.

Since last year, the regular army’s presence has been primarily limited to the capital of North Darfur state, El-Fasher, due to the RSF’s advances. The RSF has besieged El-Fasher, a city housing around two million residents, since May. The humanitarian situation is dire, with famine declared in the Zamzam camp for displaced persons located south of the city.

The United Nations has expressed serious concern over the worsening conditions in Darfur and the broader Sudanese context. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the severe human rights violations occurring, including widespread violence, killings, and sexual assaults, describing the situation as a “nightmare of violence” for the Sudanese people.