Fears are mounting for hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped in El Fasher, Sudan, after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed control of the city, which they had been besieging it for over a year amid the country’s ongoing civil war.
On Sunday, the RSF declared it had seized the army’s main base in Darfur’s capital and released a statement claiming to have “extended control over the city of El Fasher from the grip of mercenaries and militias.” In response, the Popular Resistance, a pro-army militia, insisted that the army still holds “more fortified positions” and that residents continue to resist the RSF’s advance.
Humanitarian Concerns Intensify
The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, expressed deep alarm over reports that fighters are pushing further into the city and restricting escape routes. He called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and safe passage for civilians. The RSF, however, stated it is committed to providing “safe corridors” and protection for residents who wish to leave the city.
A War-Torn Country
Sudan has been embroiled in civil war since April 2023, when tensions between the military and the RSF erupted into open conflict in Khartoum, spreading rapidly across the country. While the army recaptured Khartoum in March 2025, enabling some residents to return, fighting continues in the south and west. The RSF laid siege to El Fasher in May 2024, displacing hundreds of thousands and cutting off access to aid.
Reports of Violence
Videos circulating online show RSF fighters celebrating in front of the city garrison and reportedly chasing fleeing residents. Independent verification remains difficult due to a telecommunications blackout and outages of Starlink satellite internet. Some civilians who attempted to escape, according to testimonies from those who managed to flee, were reportedly killed. Meanwhile, the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate raised concerns over the arrest of reporter Muammar Ibrahim, demanding his immediate release.
Implications for Darfur
If confirmed, RSF control of El Fasher would give the militia, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), dominance over all five states in Darfur. Analysts warn this could signal the effective partition of Sudan. The RSF has also been accused of intensifying attacks on civilians in Darfur, continuing a legacy of violence dating back to its origins in the Janjaweed militias.
International Concerns
The UN and international observers have repeatedly highlighted external interference in Sudan’s conflict, including alleged arms transfers from the UAE to the RSF. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that foreign involvement has exacerbated the war, calling on the international community to halt the flow of weapons into Sudan.
