UN Report Details Horrifying Patterns of Violations During RSF Control of “Zamzam” Camp
Geneva – Sudanhorizon
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a press statement regarding a UN report on the violations and atrocities committed by the militia during its attack on the Zamzam internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in North Darfur State in April of this year, which lasted for three days.
The statement noted that the report, issued on Thursday by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, details widespread killings and rape, as well as other forms of sexual violence, torture, and abductions committed during the attack carried out by the Rapid Support Forces on the Zamzam IDP camp in April of this year, over a three-day period.
It stated that at least 1,013 civilians were killed during the attack carried out between 11 and 13 April, describing it as a “consistent pattern of serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of international human rights law.”
Among those killed, 319 people were summarily executed, either inside the camp or while attempting to flee.
Some victims were killed in their homes during house-to-house searches conducted by RSF elements, while others were killed in the main market, schools, health facilities, and mosques.
More than 400,000 camp residents were displaced once again as a result of the attack.
One surviving community leader recounted how two RSF fighters inserted their rifles through small holes in the window of the room where he was hiding with ten other men and fired indiscriminately, killing eight of them.
A woman who returned to the camp the day after the deadly attack, searching for her missing 15-year-old son, said:
“The camp was empty. I saw bodies scattered along the roads. There was nothing but chickens, donkeys, and sheep roaming around.”
She did not find her son that day.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said:
“Such deliberate killing of civilians or persons hors de combat may constitute the war crime of murder… A prompt, impartial, thorough, and effective investigation must be conducted into the attack on the Zamzam IDP camp, and those responsible for serious violations of international law must be held accountable through fair proceedings.”
The report details patterns of conflict-related sexual violence.
At least 104 survivors, including 75 women, 26 girls, and 3 boys, most of them from the Zaghawa ethnic group, were subjected to horrific sexual violence, including rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery, either during the attack on the camp or along escape routes.
The report indicates that “sexual violence appears to have been deliberately used to terrorize the community.”
In the months preceding the attack, RSF elements prevented the entry of all food, water, fuel, and other essential supplies necessary for the survival of the civilian population in the Zamzam IDP camp, and launched systematic attacks against anyone attempting to bring in supplies, according to the report.
Approximately 26 people were arrested and reportedly executed on the road between the Zamzam IDP camp and the town of Tawila, apparently as a warning against any attempt to deliver food to the camp.
To survive, many families resorted to feeding their children animal feed made from groundnut husks.
Turk said:
“These horrific patterns of violations — committed with impunity — are consistent with what my Office has documented repeatedly, including during the RSF’s control of El Fasher in late October.”
He added:
“The findings of this report are another stark reminder of the urgent need to act to end the cycle of atrocities and violence, and to ensure accountability and reparations for victims. The world must not stand by and watch this cruelty take root as a fait accompli in Sudan. All states, particularly those with influence over the situation, must do everything possible to prevent atrocities.”
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights renewed his call on all states to take urgent action to prevent the commission of crimes under international law by parties to the conflict, to intensify pressure on them to end the violence in Darfur, Kordofan, and other areas, including by taking steps to halt the supply, sale, or transfer of weapons that continue to fuel the conflict.
He also called for sustained diplomatic efforts to cease hostilities and reach a lasting solution to the conflict.
The statement noted that the 18-page report is based on monitoring conducted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, including interviews carried out in July 2025 with 155 survivors and witnesses in eastern Chad.
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