Massacres are ongoing in El Fasher, Sudan, following the takeover by rebel forces, which ended an 18-month siege and raised concerns about a severe humanitarian crisis. The violence occurred after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of the army’s headquarters in the city, marking a significant step in gaining authority over Darfur, Sudan’s vast western region.
Reports suggest that there are bodies in the streets, with an estimated hundreds of people killed. However, due to disrupted communications and limited information from refugees, accurately assessing the situation remains challenging. Concerns are mounting for those who managed to escape the city, especially women, children, and the elderly facing risks of extortion, rape, and violence during their perilous journey.
Tom Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, expressed alarm over the “catastrophic levels of human suffering” in El Fasher and Darfur, urging immediate action to address the crisis. The ongoing civil war in Sudan, lasting over two and a half years, has been labeled as the largest humanitarian crisis globally, characterized by widespread sexual violence, famine, and the displacement of millions.
The RSF’s advance has raised fears of ethnic violence, given its origins in the Janjaweed militia responsible for atrocities in Darfur in the early 2000s. Despite the escalating violence, international response has been criticized as lacking urgency and empathy towards the unfolding crisis.
Nadia Taha shared her distress over losing contact with her uncle and other relatives in El Fasher, expressing fear for their safety amid the escalating violence. She recounted the tragic death of her brother, Mohammed Adam Abdullah Taha, killed by an RSF drone while aiding others to escape and seek shelter.
The RSF has denied allegations of targeting civilians, with its commander acknowledging reported abuses and committing to investigate any misconduct within the forces. The UAE’s reported support for the RSF has drawn scrutiny, with accusations of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group. In response, the UAE pledged $100 million in humanitarian aid during a UN Security Council session.
As the violence escalates, displaced individuals are undertaking arduous journeys to safety, facing immense challenges and risks along the way. Satellite imagery has revealed evidence of systematic killings and potential ethnic cleansing in El Fasher, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for international intervention.
