Sudan: One person killed in clashes in IDP camp in Darfur May 21

Event

On Monday, May 21, Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - a government-backed paramilitary unit - reportedly attacked an internally displaced person (IDP) camp in the town of Zalingei (Darfur). One person was killed in the attack; nine other civilians and five RSF soldiers were also wounded. According to a RSF spokesperson, the paramilitary group entered the camp by mistake, leading to clashed between RSF members and local residents. Protests are likely in Zalingei in the coming days.

Context

The Darfur region, located in the west of the country, is affected by extremely poor security conditions. Rebel groups continue to fuel violence, creating one of the most alarming humanitarian crises in the world. Ethnic clashes are also frequent.

Advice

Many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Sudan and against all travel to certain regions, including the five Darfur states, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, certain areas of North Kordofan, the Djebel Ouanat region, Dinder National Park, and Sennar state. Due to a high risk of terrorist activity, always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants.