Paramilitary forces kill 48 civilians in central Sudan

Paramilitary forces of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have killed at least 48 civilians in a brutal assault on the village of Oum Garfa in North Kordofan state, according to the Emergency Lawyers group, which monitors human rights violations in the country.

The attack, which took place on July 13, saw RSF fighters storm the village—located roughly 90 kilometres north of the strategic town of Bara—setting fire to homes and looting property. Women and children were reportedly among the victims, Caliber.Az reports via French media.

Oum Garfa lies on a key route to the capital, Khartoum, which the Sudanese army recaptured from the RSF in March. Since then, paramilitary forces have intensified operations across other parts of the country in a continued power struggle with the military.

Additional reports indicate dozens more civilians have been killed in nearby villages, though independent confirmation remains limited due to restricted access to the region.

Meanwhile, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported on Sunday that over 3,000 residents have fled the area due to the escalating violence. Many of the displaced have sought refuge near Bara, a city that has become a focal point in the conflict.

In recent weeks, Sudan’s army has launched several offensives to retake Bara from RSF control, highlighting the city’s strategic importance in the broader battle for North Kordofan.

The conflict between Sudan’s military and the RSF erupted in April 2023 and has since plunged the country into a humanitarian catastrophe, with thousands killed and millions displaced.

By Vugar Khalilov