Sudan market strikes leave more than a hundred dead in Darfur

On Saturday, a series of explosions ripped through a crowded market in Darfur’s North Darfur region, killing at least 108 people and injuring many more, according to the Sudanese Red Crescent. Witnesses described a sudden, deafening blast that sent stalls collapsing and ignited a fire that quickly engulfed the surrounding area. The victims were predominantly women and children who had gathered to purchase food and household goods, underscoring the civilian nature of the tragedy.

Human‑rights organisations have attributed the attack to the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group that has been engaged in a protracted conflict with the Sudanese army. The RSF has denied involvement, claiming the blast was the result of an accidental detonation of stored ammunition. The incident has drawn renewed criticism from the United Nations and European Union, which have called for an independent investigation and urged all parties to respect civilian protection under international law.

The massacre has deepened the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, prompting an urgent appeal for aid and medical supplies from the World Health Organization. Displacement figures are expected to rise as families flee the area, fearing further attacks. The international community’s response may shape future diplomatic pressure on the RSF, potentially influencing the trajectory of the broader Sudanese conflict over the coming year.