A significant escalation in Sudan’s civil war has unfolded, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claiming control of the city of El-Fasher. This city, the last stronghold of the Sudanese army in the Darfur region, has become a focal point of conflict, trapping approximately 250,000 civilians who have been cut off from essential supplies for months. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as representing a “terrible escalation in the conflict,” emphasizing the unbearable suffering endured by the people of Sudan.
The RSF’s claim to have captured El-Fasher, reported over the weekend, follows a series of violent confrontations that have left the city surrounded for weeks. The U.N. has urged immediate measures to allow civilians to evacuate safely. In a statement, U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher called for a ceasefire to facilitate the escape of trapped individuals, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation.
Situation on the Ground
Reports suggest that RSF forces have also taken control of the Sudanese Armed Forces’ 6th Division Headquarters in the city. The Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) confirmed through satellite imagery that a major assault was underway, indicating evidence of intense close-quarters combat. The HRL noted, “The activity may be consistent with reporting that RSF has taken prisoners in and around the [army] airfield.” The lab plans to continue monitoring for indications of potential mass atrocities in El-Fasher.
Though the RSF claims to have full control, the Sudanese military has countered that fighting persists, leaving independent analysts unable to verify the RSF’s assertions. The situation remains fluid, with reports circulating on social media showing RSF fighters in the city, allegedly celebrating while surrounded by casualties.
Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies
The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which the U.N. has characterized as the world’s largest. The fighting, which erupted in April 2023 following a failed power-sharing agreement between the army and RSF, has resulted in severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and communication. The people of El-Fasher have endured relentless drone and artillery strikes, significantly impacting daily life.
Independent analysts warn that if the RSF secures complete control of El-Fasher, it could lead to a formal partitioning of Sudan and the establishment of a parallel government in the territories under its influence. The RSF’s strategy appears to involve the construction of an earthen berm around the city, effectively sealing off access for both supplies and civilians.
As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely, with calls for intervention and support for those trapped in this devastating situation. The need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people has never been more urgent.
