The security and humanitarian situation in the city of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in Sudan, is nearing a state of open disaster following the takeover by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development is considered a serious turning point by human rights and analytical organizations. Multiple sources indicate that the forces entered the city after a siege that lasted more than 540 days, triggering a wave of violations, including mass killings and organized assaults against civilians.
According to a satellite imagery analysis report prepared by the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University, large gatherings of bodies that appear to be corpses have been detected, along with red stains on the ground in various locations across the city, reinforcing the hypothesis of potential genocide.
Reports estimate that around 26,000 people fled the city within just two days after the operation began, while more than 177,000 civilians are believed to be trapped inside, with near-total cutting off of humanitarian access routes and supplies.
Arab and regional countries have condemned this development. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Jordan denounced the “atrocious violations” committed by the RSF during their control of El Fasher.
In light of this, the spokesman for the Sudanese Armed Forces stated that the withdrawal of troops from El Fasher was aimed at “protecting civilians” from further casualties, but he promised a strong response against the RSF.
Humanitarian organizations are warning that the fall of El Fasher could return the Darfur region to scenarios of ethnic cleansing witnessed over the past two decades, and the current situation places Sudan on the brink of actual division between areas of control.
In this context, the European Commission called on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and opened an international investigation into potential violations, urging for the swift opening of humanitarian corridors and ensuring aid delivery to those in need.
El Fasher today appears to be a pivotal point in the Sudanese conflict, as control over the city, the blocking of humanitarian aid, and the occurrence of these violations threaten not only its residents but also the entire political trajectory of Sudan.
