Massacres are ongoing in El Fasher, Sudan, following the recent takeover by rebel forces, which ended an 18-month siege and raised concerns about a severe humanitarian crisis. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) assumed control of the army’s headquarters in the city, marking a significant advancement towards dominating Darfur’s western region. Satellite images suggest the presence of bodies on the streets, with potentially hundreds more casualties. Limited communication and sparse refugee reports make it challenging to fully grasp the extent of the situation.
Aid workers and officials express apprehension even for those who managed to escape El Fasher. UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, Tom Fletcher, emphasized the urgent need to address the dire conditions in El Fasher and Darfur, referring to the crisis as a profound failure in protecting human rights.
The RSF’s rise to power has raised alarms about the potential for ethnic violence, given their historical ties to the Janjaweed militia responsible for atrocities in Darfur. Despite mounting evidence of civilian harm, including recent allegations of fatalities at El Fasher’s Saudi Hospital, RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo acknowledged abuses within his forces and pledged to hold perpetrators accountable.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been linked to supporting the RSF, mirroring its involvement in other conflict zones to expand influence and combat extremist groups. While denying accusations of weapon transfers to the RSF, the UAE recently pledged $100 million in humanitarian aid for Sudan. However, Sudan’s UN Ambassador criticized the UAE for enabling aggression through its support of the RSF.
Survivors fleeing El Fasher face arduous journeys to safety, with many seeking refuge in Tawila, while others brave the long trek to Khartoum. The desperate situation in El Fasher has drawn comparisons to past atrocities, prompting calls for urgent international intervention to prevent further bloodshed and displacement. Reports of systematic killings and ethnic cleansing in El Fasher underscore the gravity of the crisis, with humanitarian organizations highlighting the urgent need for action to avert further tragedy.
