In brief
The city of El-Fasher, the last stronghold for Sudanese army forces in Darfur, is facing severe siege conditions. Recent satellite images show the construction of an earthen wall over 31 km long aimed at trapping civilians. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are accused of intensifying attacks, including recent shelling that killed numerous civilians.
An extensive earthen wall is being built around the besieged Sudanese city of el-Fasher, intended to trap people inside. According to research from Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab, over 31 kilometers of 'berms'—the raised banks constructed since May—have been identified surrounding the city, which is occupied by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
El-Fasher has been under siege for more than a year, serving as the last major foothold for the military in Darfur amidst ongoing conflict with the RSF since April 2023. Attacks on civilians have escalated, with reports from the Sudan Doctors Network highlighting recent offensives targeting populated areas.
Dr. Mohamed Faisal Hassan noted that recent shelling in civilian zones killed nearly 24 people and injured many more, illustrating the dire human cost of this conflict. He described the attacks on the market and residential areas as deliberate and heinous.
According to BBC Verify, both factions in the conflict have utilized berms defensively, but Yale's HRL claims that the RSF is creating a 'kill box' around the city, complicating efforts for civilians to escape or for aid to enter.
Humanitarian organizations have been unable to reach el-Fasher for months, leaving approximately 300,000 residents to endure constant bombardment, food shortages, and scarce medical resources. Many are trapped, with safe escape routes blocked by the RSF. A local teacher described the desperate situation as a 'slow death' while acknowledging the dangers of attempting to flee.
The constructed walls not only enhance the RSF's control over the city but also threaten to effectively partition the country should El-Fasher fall completely to their control.
As construction of the earthen barriers continues, humanitarian advocates including former officials are urging international bodies like the UN Security Council to intervene and protect the civilians of el-Fasher, who are enduring unprecedented suffering in this ongoing conflict.
