Darfur: Civilians killed in renewed shelling as RSF issues ultimatum in El Fasher

January 20, 2025 (EL FASHER) – At least 11 civilians were killed and 18 others wounded in renewed shelling of a displacement camp in El Fasher, North Darfur, on Monday, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the army and allied forces to leave the city.

The Abu Shouk camp, home to an estimated 190,000 people displaced by conflict in Darfur since 2003, has been repeatedly targeted by RSF shelling.

“RSF forces bombarded the Abu Shouk camp, resulting in the death of 11 people and injuring 18 others,” Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the Displaced and Refugee Coordination, said in a statement to Sudan Tribune. He added that 120mm mortars and heavy weapons were used in the attack.

Meanwhile, the RSF issued a 48-hour ultimatum to armed groups and fighters within El Fasher to surrender the city and leave, promising safe passage and immediate release.

“We call on all armed men to lay down their arms, leave military positions, and surrender immediately,” the RSF said in a statement. “After the deadline expires, we will not hesitate to deal decisively and deterrently.”

Responding to the ultimatum, Jibril Ibrahim, leader of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), dismissed the RSF threats as “nothing new” and warned in a Facebook post that they could be a prelude to a “new massacre against defenceless civilians through artillery shelling and strategic drones.”

El Fasher, the only remaining state capital in Darfur under army control, has been under sustained attack by the RSF since May 10. The army and its allies claim to have repelled over 170 assaults on the city.

According to the latest figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the fighting forced an estimated 423,000 residents to flee El Fasher between April and December 16.