RSF Assault on El-Fasher Intensifies Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis

Fighting has escalated in El-Fasher, the last major city in Sudan's Darfur region under the control of the army, as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a major offensive on Friday. Witnesses reported intense battles lasting seven hours, during which the RSF briefly seized key locations, including a cattle market, a prison, and a military base. The army has since pushed the RSF back, but the city remains under siege, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

Civilians Trapped in "Death Trap"

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has described El-Fasher as a "death trap" for civilians. Mathilde Vu, NRC's advocacy manager in Sudan, told the BBC that the organisation is receiving reports of "horror and terror and weekly shelling, attacks on civilian infrastructure." She added that local volunteers are risking their lives to provide food for starving residents.

Siddig Omar, a 65-year-old resident, confirmed the RSF's entry into the city from the south and south-west. While the army claims to have inflicted heavy losses on the RSF, shelling continued throughout Saturday, resulting in civilian casualties. "One of the shells hit a civilian vehicle near my house resulting in the death of five civilians who were inside the car," Mr. Omar reported.

A City Under Siege: Historical Context and Current Crisis

The current conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, stemming from a power struggle between the army and the RSF. The fighting has plunged the country into a devastating civil war, leading to famine and allegations of genocide in Darfur. The United Nations estimates that over 150,000 people have died and approximately 12 million have been displaced, creating the world's largest humanitarian crisis.

El-Fasher's strategic importance lies in its position as the last army-controlled city in Darfur, a region scarred by decades of conflict. The city's fall would represent a significant victory for the RSF and potentially trigger further atrocities against the civilian population. The ongoing communications blackout further complicates the situation, making it difficult to verify information and hindering aid efforts.

Expert Analysis: Regional Implications and International Response

Dr. Ahmed Soliman, a research fellow at Chatham House specializing in the Horn of Africa, argues that the situation in El-Fasher underscores the urgent need for a renewed international effort to mediate a ceasefire and address the root causes of the conflict. "The fighting in El-Fasher is not just a local issue; it has the potential to destabilize the entire region," Dr. Soliman stated. "The international community must apply greater pressure on the warring parties and their external backers to prioritize the protection of civilians and engage in meaningful negotiations."

He further points out the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. "Accusations of external support for the RSF, particularly from the UAE, highlight the regional dimensions of the conflict. A comprehensive solution requires addressing these external influences and promoting a unified international approach."

Humanitarian Catastrophe Worsens

The RSF's recent offensive follows weeks of artillery and drone attacks on El-Fasher. The group previously overran the Zamzam camp, the largest displacement camp in the country, forcing residents to flee into El-Fasher or towards Tawila, 60km away. The situation in Tawila is equally dire, with nearly 379,000 people facing an outbreak of cholera and the threat of heavy rains destroying makeshift shelters. Displaced individuals arriving in Tawila report horrific stories of violence and starvation.

Lack of food, medicine, and essential services Reports of armed men targeting and raping fleeing civilians Outbreak of cholera in overcrowded displacement camps

Residents of El-Fasher have described desperate conditions, with shortages of food, medicine, and work. One resident lamented the lack of even basic sustenance, stating, "Even ombaz is no longer available, as the peanut factories have stopped working."

ICC Investigation and Calls for Accountability

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has stated that there are "reasonable grounds" to believe war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed in Darfur. In January 2025, the US determined that the RSF and allied militias had committed genocide against the region's non-Arab population. These findings underscore the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victims of the conflict.

Ms. Vu from the NRC criticized the international community's lack of engagement with the warring parties and their backers, stating that "the funding is completely decreasing and the consequence is that you can see it on the ground." She emphasized the resilience of the Sudanese people, who are relying on their own solidarity to survive. "People [in El-Fasher] just rely on the solidarity of others. If they have a little bit of food, they will be sharing it among themselves."