RSF Encircle El Fasher in Deadly Crisis as UN Warns Devastating Consequences

Sudanese paramilitary forces, known as Rapid Support Forces (RSF), are encircling El Fasher, the only capital they have not captured in western Darfur. The United Nations has warned that an attack on this city of 800,00 inhabitants would lead to “devastating consequences”. At the same time, the rival Sudanese Armed Forces appear to be positioning themselves. In response, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged RSF and government forces not to engage in fighting around El Fasher. The ongoing conflict between these two factions has triggered a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions which continues despite international sanctions against arms suppliers. UNSMIL Political Chief Rosemary DiCarlo described the situation as “a crisis of epic proportions” and called for an end to foreign support, stating that it is both illegal and immoral. The escalating tensions around El Fasher over the last two weeks have resulted in 40,000 people being displaced, with civilian casualties also reported. OCHA has stated that security issues are preventing humanitarian access to El Fasher which is an important location for reaching other parts of Darfur and transporting aid from neighbouring Chad as well as via a northern route from Port Sudan on the country’s northeast coast. In light of this, more than 12 trucks carrying life-saving supplies intended for over 120,00 people are currently stranded in Ad Dabbah due to security concerns and lack of guarantees regarding safe passage. The UN’s DiCarlo has painted a grim picture of the war’s impact: over 14,000 dead, tens of thousands wounded, looming famine with 25 million people requiring life-saving assistance, as well as 8.6 million forcibly displaced individuals in Sudan today due to ongoing violence. The Arab-dominated RSF have been responsible for brutal attacks against ethnic African civilians, particularly the Masalit community, during this conflict which has spread beyond Khartoum and into other parts of the country including urban areas and Darfur since fighting between these military groups escalated last April.