The city of El-Fasher in Sudan is currently under intense siege, with paramilitary fighters from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) making significant advances towards key military sites. This escalating conflict, which began in 2023, has left tens of thousands of civilians trapped in the city, facing dire humanitarian conditions.
Civilians are bearing the brunt of the fighting. Young Ahmed Abdul Rahman, just 13, lies in a makeshift camp with shrapnel wounds across his body, his mother expressing grave concern for his unstable condition. Medical facilities are scarce and often targeted, making treatment extremely difficult. Hamida Adam Ali recounts a harrowing experience of lying injured on the road for days after being hit by shelling, her children suffering from hunger and her own leg rotting due to lack of care.
The RSF’s efforts to capture El-Fasher are seen as a strategic move to consolidate control in the Darfur region and secure vital supply routes. Analysts suggest that control of El-Fasher would significantly strengthen the RSF’s position in the ongoing civil war, potentially enabling further attacks into other regions and the capital, Khartoum.
Local armed groups fighting alongside the Sudanese army are also deeply invested in defending the city, viewing it as crucial for their political survival and claims in Darfur.
The RSF’s military capabilities are reportedly enhanced by sophisticated drones, with evidence suggesting support from the United Arab Emirates, though the UAE denies these claims. Verified footage shows these drones impacting not only military sites but also civilian areas, including markets, indicating a disregard for civilian lives.
Recent events, such as a deadly strike on a mosque that killed dozens of worshippers, have been attributed to the RSF, further intensifying the tragedy. Families are being torn apart, with many fleeing the city only to face further violence and loss.
Despite the RSF’s efforts to project an image of providing aid to fleeing civilians through new videos, the reality on the ground remains grim. For those still trapped in El-Fasher, the immediate future is uncertain, marked by a desperate struggle for survival amidst the ongoing conflict.