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The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intentionally killed civilians, captured hostages, looted, and destroyed mosques, schools, and medical facilities during a major assault in April on Zamzam, the biggest camp for internally displaced persons in North Darfur, according to a recent report released by the international human rights organization Amnesty International. Amnesty urges these breaches to be examined as war crimes under global law.

The report, entitled A sanctuary ruined: RSF breaches in Zamzam camp, home to internally displaced people in Darfur, details the attack on the camp by RSF between 11 and 13 April 2025, where they used explosive weapons and fired their guns randomly in residential areas. The continuous attack led to approximately 400,000 people leaving the camp between 13 and 14 April, and it was part of RSF’s military operation that started in May 2024 to take over El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. RSF announced control of El Fasher on 26 October, during which they killed many unarmed men and raped numerous women and girls as they seized the city.

The RSF’s horrifying and intentional attack on desperate, starving civilians in Zamzam camp once more revealed its alarming indifference to human life. Civilians were brutally attacked, killed, stripped of essential items needed for survival and their means of living, and left without any hope of justice, while mourning the death of their family members. This was not a single incident, but part of an ongoing campaign targeting villages and camps where internally displaced people reside,” stated Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. “Some international allies, including the UAE, actively contributed to the armed conflict by supplying the RSF with weapons.

The sole method to halt these violations is to stop the flow of weapons to conflict parties by broadening the existing arms embargo on Darfur to cover the entire country. The African Union, European Union, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), along with the United Kingdom, United States, Russia, and China, should urge all nations, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to avoid supplying weapons and ammunition to the RSF, Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and other involved parties. Furthermore, due to the significant risk of weapons being diverted to the RSF, countries must immediately halt all arms transfers to the UAE.

This report was prepared by Amnesty International through research carried out from June to August 2025, during which 29 individuals were interviewed. These included mainly witnesses, survivors, family members of victims, journalists, conflict experts, and healthcare workers who treated those injured in the attack. The organization also reviewed and examined numerous videos, photographs, and satellite images.

The RSF did not provide a statement in response to Amnesty International’s inquiry.

‘The shelling was everywhere’

Survivors of the attack reported to Amnesty International that, on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, shells hit residential buildings, streets, and, in one instance, close to a mosque where a wedding was taking place — all highly populated zones — resulting in the deaths and injuries of civilians and causing homes to catch fire.

Images taken by satellites on April 16 and reviewed by Amnesty International revealed new craters, offering more proof of the extensive use of explosive weapons in densely populated regions.

Survivors shared terrifying stories of escaping burning areas and taking cover from intense combat. Younis*, an emergency room volunteer, stated, “It was extremely severe. You couldn’t tell where the shelling was coming from. It was present everywhere, in every location.”

Mamoun, a man in his late twenties who offered to help distribute humanitarian assistance, remembered: “[RSF] combatants were yelling and firing randomly, which is how many people lost their lives.”

Sadya*, a volunteer with non-governmental organizations, recounted that on 12 April, RSF fighters passed through her neighborhood, near the central market in Zamzam: “One [RSF fighter] stood up through a small opening in the roof and fired randomly, shooting anyone on the street.”

Firing in this way without a particular military objective could be considered an attack that lacks discrimination, which is a major breach of international humanitarian law.

Amnesty International also recorded instances where RSF fighters intentionally shot and killed civilians. Witnesses reported to Amnesty International that they observed RSF fighters killing 47 civilians who were taking shelter in homes, escaping the violence, at a clinic, and seeking safety in a mosque. Intentionally killing people who are not involved in or no longer directly engaged in hostilities is a severe breach of international humanitarian law and qualifies as the war crime of murder.

Testimonies from witnesses and video footage show that the RSF attacked civilians because they were believed to be linked to the Joint Forces — a coalition of former Darfur rebel groups fighting with the SAF — and the SAF itself. RSF fighters also looted and set fire to homes, shops, the market, and buildings within the Sheikh Farah school and mosque complex, causing significant damage or destruction to essential civilian facilities. Religious, medical, and educational facilities are safeguarded by international law.

Individuals who have been displaced and spoke with Amnesty recounted challenging travels in pursuit of security, lacking access to food, water, and healthcare. Certain individuals faced actions that could be classified as war crimes, including rape, murder, and looting.

Without access to food, water, medical care, or legal support, the survivors of the attacks have experienced a sense of abandonment from global entities. They shared with Amnesty International that their main concerns are receiving humanitarian assistance, ensuring security, and safeguarding civilians. Additionally, they have demanded justice for the crimes committed before and after the attack, along with compensation.

Elnor*, who observed approximately 15 armed individuals, probably members of the RSF, attack his residence and shoot and kill his 80-year-old brother and 30-year-old nephew, stated: “No one cares about our circumstances.”

* Identities of interviewees have been altered to ensure security and maintain confidentiality.

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Tagged: International Organizations and Africa, Sudan, Legal and Judicial Affairs, Conflict, Peace and Security, External Relations, East Africa

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