The conflict in Darfur, which has escalated since mid-September, has left over 100 civilians dead and many more injured, as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensifies across multiple fronts in North Darfur State.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred on Friday morning, when SAF attacked a busy market in the town of El-Koma.
Preliminary reports suggest at least 59 civilians were killed and around 250 others injured in the attack. Eyewitnesses describe the market turning into a scene of devastation, with shops destroyed and the injured overwhelming local healthcare facilities.
The latest surge in violence marks a significant escalation in the ongoing power struggle between forces loyal to Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The two factions have been battling for control over Darfur, a region already ravaged by decades of conflict and unrest.
Local residents report widespread destruction of homes, markets, and infrastructure as rival forces vie for control over key territories.
Despite several peace agreements in the past, Darfur remains highly volatile, and recent clashes have further destabilized the region. Humanitarian organizations are struggling to access affected areas due to ongoing hostilities, leaving many civilians without critical aid.
As the violence continues, the people of Darfur remain trapped in a cycle of fear, displacement, and loss, with no end in sight to the conflict.