Additional Coverage:
Tragedy Strikes Darfur: Landslide Kills Up to 1,000 in Tarseen Village
A devastating landslide has ripped through the village of Tarseen in Darfur, western Sudan, claiming the lives of as many as 1,000 people, according to reports from local groups. The remote mountain village, located in the Jebel Marra region, was reportedly completely leveled by the slide, which occurred on Sunday following heavy rains. Tragically, many of the victims were already displaced and struggling with starvation, having sought refuge in the area after fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Jebel Marra, controlled by the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army (SLM-A), has become a haven for those escaping the violence, particularly from the besieged city of El Fasher and the famine-stricken Zamzam refugee camp. The SLM-A has remained neutral in the conflict, offering a rare sanctuary amidst the widespread fighting.
The broader Darfur region remains largely under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militias, who have been accused of atrocities against African ethnic groups. The conflict has created a dire humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread displacement and severe food shortages. Aid access to remote areas like Jebel Marra is extremely challenging, particularly during the rainy season, further exacerbating the suffering of those seeking refuge.
This latest tragedy underscores the profound humanitarian crisis gripping Sudan, a nation ravaged by a two-year civil war that has displaced millions and led to widespread famine. While exact casualty figures remain difficult to verify, estimates suggest the death toll from the conflict may have reached as high as 150,000. The landslide in Tarseen serves as a grim reminder of the immense challenges facing the people of Sudan.