An extensive earthen wall is being built around the besieged Sudanese city of el-Fasher, intended to trap people inside, according to research by Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL). Satellite images show that over 31km of berms have been constructed since May, primarily in territories outside the city controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Under siege for more than a year, el-Fasher is the last significant stronghold for Sudan's army in Darfur, which has been fighting the RSF since April 2023. Reports from the Sudan Doctors Network indicate that the RSF is intensifying its assaults, directly targeting civilians.
Recent shelling in civilian areas reportedly killed 24 individuals and injured 55, including several women, stripping any illusion of safe zones within the city. Such actions have been called heinous and part of a deliberate strategy of the RSF.
The HRL states that the RSF is erecting a literal kill box around el-Fasher, severely limiting humanitarian access and complicating escape routes for civilians. Civilians remain trapped amid constant bombardment, scarce supplies, and are at risk of violence if they attempt to flee. Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan emphasized the dire situation, noting that civilians are being systematically targeted during their attempts to escape.
With the construction of the wall, the RSF is further solidifying its control, potentially leading to the complete collapse of government influence in the region. The local population, now estimated at 300,000, faces dire prospects as humanitarian organizations remain unable to operate in the area for months.
El-Fasher's fall could mark a turning point in the conflict, raising fears of a partitioning of Sudan as warring factions establish control over their territories.
