Fears Mount for Thousands Trapped as RSF Takes Control of El-Fasher
As the conflict in Sudan escalates, fears are rising for the tens of thousands of civilians trapped in el-Fasher, a city recently seized by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the RSF ousted the Sudanese Armed Forces from the city, survivors have reported horrific violence, including killings and assaults. In total, over 460 people have died in the city’s hospitals, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The RSF gained control of el-Fasher in the western Darfur region last week, marking a critical shift in the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023. While reports indicate that tens of thousands have fled the city, only a small fraction—less than 6,000—have made it to the nearest camp in Tawila, located approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) away. Shashwat Saraf, the Sudan director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, noted that almost 1,000 people arrived at the camp in just the last three days.
Survivors Share Harrowing Experiences
Survivors recount perilous journeys, often dodging gunfire as they flee el-Fasher. Saraf highlighted the dire conditions of those arriving at the camp, stating, “People arriving in the camp are mostly disoriented and dehydrated with bruises all over. Sometimes they do not even remember their names.” Many require immediate medical attention, including IV fluids.
In a particularly alarming development, around 170 unaccompanied children, some as young as 3 years old, have been reported to have reached Tawila without knowing the whereabouts of their families. They often travel with older individuals who are not relatives, compounding their vulnerability.
In a press conference held on Sunday, Sudan’s ambassador to Egypt, Imadeldin Mustafa Adawi, accused the RSF of perpetrating war crimes in el-Fasher. He called on the international community to take decisive action, urging that the RSF be designated as a terrorist organization. Adawi emphasized the urgency for a response beyond mere condemnation, stating, “The government of Sudan is calling on the international community to act immediately and effectively.”
International Reactions and Ongoing Conflict
Adawi reiterated accusations against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), alleging the Gulf state has been arming the RSF and should not partake in any mediation efforts. Despite these claims, the UAE has denied involvement and continues to advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire. During the annual Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain, senior UAE diplomat Anwar Gargash remarked on the missteps made by the international community, suggesting that support for both military leaders, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, was a critical error that contributed to the current conflict.
The situation remains precarious, with fears that the RSF may extend its military operations beyond Darfur. Recent reports indicate that RSF attacks have resulted in at least 12 deaths, including five children, in two camps for displaced people in the central Kordofan region, according to the Sudan Doctor Network, a medical group monitoring the conflict.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the ongoing violence and provide support for those affected. With reports of atrocities continuing to emerge, the need for effective intervention has never been more urgent.
