RSF warns against turning Zamzam IDPs Camp into a Military Barracks
The Rapid Support Forces warned of the “Joint Forces” scheme to turn Zamzam Camp for displaced persons into a Military barracks, which would -in turn- endanger the lives of thousands of displaced persons.
The Rapid Support Forces’ statement shared:
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
Rapid Support Forces
MEDIA STATEMENT
December 2nd, 2024
In a desperate and reckless attempt to distort the truth, the mercenary Minni Arcua Minnawi has once again resorted to playing the victim, lashing out with unfounded and contradictory accusations against our forces. In his latest smear campaign, he falsely claims that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) deliberately targeted Zamzam IDP Camp in North Darfur, all while denying his own heinous crimes and shielding his fleeing forces in El Fasher by using innocent IDPs as human shields.
The reality on the ground is starkly different from Minnawi’s deceitful narrative. Eyewitness testimonies from IDPs directly refute his claims, instead confirming that the so-called “joint forces” of mercenaries and jihadist militias operating under Minnawi’s command have infiltrated the camp, established military checkpoints and embedded themselves among civilians. From the very beginning, our forces have been vigilant, warning of Minnawi’sscheme to transform the Zamzam IDPs Camp into a military stronghold, effectively turning a civilian refuge into a warzone.
Our forces have been actively monitoring these dangerous developments, keeping a close watch on all suspicious activities. These actions — part of Minawi’s wider strategy — are designed to provoke our forces into engaging in a confrontation that would endanger the lives of thousands of IDPs. Yet, despite his best efforts to manipulate the narrative, Minnawi’sdeceptive claims will not deceive the international community or the vigilant observers who are closely watching the situation.
The deliberate use of civilians as human shields, and the transformation of their homes into military outposts, is a gross violation of human rights and international law. These actions directly contravene the principles of armed conflict and the Geneva Conventions, which are designed to safeguard civilian lives in times of war.
We call on the United Nations and all relevant human rights organizations to take immediate and decisive action to protect the IDP populations, to halt these flagrant violations, and to demand the immediate withdrawal of Minnawi’s forces from the camp.
Our courageous forces remain unwavering in their commitment to the protection and safety of civilians, working tirelessly to shield them from the ravages of conflict. We stand resolute in our mission to dismantle the remaining strongholds of the mercenaries and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) terrorist militias, with an unyielding determination to restore peace and security in El Fasher and beyond. The RSF will continue to pursue this objective with all necessary measures until the perpetrators of this violence are held accountable and justice is served.
