40 killed in Central Sudan paramilitary attack on village

A deadly attack by paramilitary forces in central Sudan has claimed the lives of at least 40 people, according to a medic speaking to AFP. The attack, which began on Tuesday evening, occurred in the village of Wad Rawah, located just north of Wad Oshaib in Al-Jazira state, and is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in the region.

“All 40 people suffered direct gunshot wounds,” said the medic, speaking anonymously for safety reasons due to repeated attacks on medical personnel. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), currently engaged in a violent conflict with the Sudanese army, launched the assault on the village, about 100 kilometers north of Al-Jazira's capital, Wad Madani.

Eyewitnesses confirmed the attack resumed on Wednesday morning, with RSF fighters looting property in the aftermath.

This assault is the latest in a month-long series of RSF attacks on Al-Jazira villages, which began after a key RSF commander defected to the army's side last month. The violence has displaced more than 340,000 people in the state, which is a critical agricultural region once known as Sudan’s breadbasket.

The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, with UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric warning that the ongoing conflict is putting the lives of tens of thousands at risk.

The conflict between Sudan’s army, led by de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has already claimed tens of thousands of lives across the country and displaced over 11 million people, with more than 3 million fleeing to neighboring countries.

The war has been marked by severe humanitarian crises, with both sides accused of war crimes. The RSF has been particularly implicated in laying siege to villages, carrying out summary executions, and looting civilian properties.

In eastern Al-Jazira, some villages have been entirely cut off from essential supplies, contributing to widespread sickness and suffering.

In Al-Hilaliya village, residents have been isolated for weeks, with dozens reportedly falling ill due to suspected poisoned food. The UN has described the situation as one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history, with 80% of health facilities in conflict-affected areas shut down.

Additionally, many displaced individuals have arrived in neighboring states with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Health officials and the UN have warned that the crisis is worsening, with epidemics like cholera spreading, decimated infrastructure, and a looming famine threatening the already vulnerable population. “They are now sheltering in the open, including children, women, older persons, and people who are sick,” Dujarric added, as the humanitarian toll continues to rise.