In a notable escalation of violence, the Sudanese paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stormed the besieged city of el-Fasher on Friday, engaging in battles that spanned seven hours and resulted in the capture of essential locations, including a cattle market, a prison, and a military base. Witnesses cited by the BBC reported this marked the first major entrance of RSF fighters into the city since the onset of its prolonged siege 15 months prior.
Social media activity showed RSF fighters broadcasting footage of themselves in abandoned stockyards, confirming their temporary hold over the cattle market, which had been shut down for several months. Following this offensive, Sudan’s army launched a counter-operation early Saturday, reclaiming control and pushing RSF forces outside of the city, allegedly inflicting substantial losses on the attackers. However, local resident Siddig Omar noted that RSF shelling persisted, with drones reportedly targeting civilian areas.
Humanitarian conditions in el-Fasher are dire, as described by Mathilde Vu from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), who called the city a "death trap." Civilians faced regular attacks on infrastructure and a lack of food and medical supplies. Local volunteer efforts to provide aid amid the chaos have put many lives at risk. Omar recounted tragic incidents, including a drone strike that left five civilians dead when a shell hit a vehicle near his home.
The conflict in Sudan transformed into civil war in April 2023, igniting fierce power struggles predominantly between the army and RSF. Such violence has led to humanitarian crises characterized by famine and allegations of genocidal actions, with over 150,000 fatalities reported and roughly 12 million individuals displaced, according to UN estimates.
El-Fasher now remains the last city in Darfur under military control, but a communications blackout complicates information verification from the region. As RSF attacks ramped up recently, artillery and drone assaults against el-Fasher intensified, with allegations of funding directed toward RSF from the United Arab Emirates adding another complex layer to the crisis.
The situation in el-Fasher emerged further complications when the RSF previously overran the prominent Zamzam displacement camp earlier this year, forcing many inhabitants to flee into other areas seeking refuge. Accounts from NRC staff in nearby Tawila recounted desperate situations faced by those escaping violence, with instances of individuals arriving dehydrated and malnourished.
Residents of el-Fasher conveyed their struggles to BBC Arabic’s emergency radio, highlighting the scarcity of food, jobs, and medical supplies. One resident lamented, “Even if you have money, there’s nothing available in the markets to buy.” Furthermore, supplies like "ombaz," a leftover food from oil production, have dwindled, exacerbating their plight.
With dwindling international engagement in the region and decreasing humanitarian funding, Ms. Vu expressed frustration over the consequences facing civilians reliant on each other for survival. War crime allegations against RSF and armed groups have been noted by organizations like the International Criminal Court.
The international community continues to grapple with the unfolding situation in Sudan as residents in el-Fasher desperately beckon for assistance in this escalating crisis.
Social media activity showed RSF fighters broadcasting footage of themselves in abandoned stockyards, confirming their temporary hold over the cattle market, which had been shut down for several months. Following this offensive, Sudan’s army launched a counter-operation early Saturday, reclaiming control and pushing RSF forces outside of the city, allegedly inflicting substantial losses on the attackers. However, local resident Siddig Omar noted that RSF shelling persisted, with drones reportedly targeting civilian areas.
Humanitarian conditions in el-Fasher are dire, as described by Mathilde Vu from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), who called the city a "death trap." Civilians faced regular attacks on infrastructure and a lack of food and medical supplies. Local volunteer efforts to provide aid amid the chaos have put many lives at risk. Omar recounted tragic incidents, including a drone strike that left five civilians dead when a shell hit a vehicle near his home.
The conflict in Sudan transformed into civil war in April 2023, igniting fierce power struggles predominantly between the army and RSF. Such violence has led to humanitarian crises characterized by famine and allegations of genocidal actions, with over 150,000 fatalities reported and roughly 12 million individuals displaced, according to UN estimates.
El-Fasher now remains the last city in Darfur under military control, but a communications blackout complicates information verification from the region. As RSF attacks ramped up recently, artillery and drone assaults against el-Fasher intensified, with allegations of funding directed toward RSF from the United Arab Emirates adding another complex layer to the crisis.
The situation in el-Fasher emerged further complications when the RSF previously overran the prominent Zamzam displacement camp earlier this year, forcing many inhabitants to flee into other areas seeking refuge. Accounts from NRC staff in nearby Tawila recounted desperate situations faced by those escaping violence, with instances of individuals arriving dehydrated and malnourished.
Residents of el-Fasher conveyed their struggles to BBC Arabic’s emergency radio, highlighting the scarcity of food, jobs, and medical supplies. One resident lamented, “Even if you have money, there’s nothing available in the markets to buy.” Furthermore, supplies like "ombaz," a leftover food from oil production, have dwindled, exacerbating their plight.
With dwindling international engagement in the region and decreasing humanitarian funding, Ms. Vu expressed frustration over the consequences facing civilians reliant on each other for survival. War crime allegations against RSF and armed groups have been noted by organizations like the International Criminal Court.
The international community continues to grapple with the unfolding situation in Sudan as residents in el-Fasher desperately beckon for assistance in this escalating crisis.
