In a significant turn of events in Sudan’s protracted civil war, the nation’s army chief has announced the military’s withdrawal from El-Fasher, its last stronghold in the western Darfur region. This move comes after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared victory in the city, which had been under siege for 18 months.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the army chief, stated that the decision to withdraw was made to protect the remaining civilians and prevent further destruction of the city. He cited the “systematic destruction and killing of civilians” as the reason for the retreat, expressing his agreement with local leaders on the need to safeguard the population.
The United Nations has voiced grave concern over the escalating situation in El-Fasher, reporting a worrying increase in atrocities allegedly committed by the RSF and allied fighters. The UN has called for safe passage for civilians caught in the crossfire and highlighted that the 18-month siege has led to widespread suffering, including malnutrition, disease, and a high death toll.
The RSF, however, has denied accusations of targeting civilians. The fall of El-Fasher represents a major turning point in the conflict, which has already resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced nearly 12 million people since April 2023. With this capture, the RSF now controls all five state capitals in Darfur, consolidating their influence in the region.
General Burhan also criticized the international community’s perceived inaction in addressing the atrocities, vowing to continue the fight to “purify” the land from what he described as “traitors”. The situation in El-Fasher, with its severe food shortages due to the prolonged siege, has been a focal point of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.