Massacres are ongoing in El Fasher, Sudan, following the takeover by rebel forces, marking the end of an 18-month siege and intensifying concerns about a severe humanitarian crisis. The reported killings occurred after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of the army’s headquarters in the city, eliminating the primary obstacle for the paramilitary group to dominate Sudan’s vast western region of Darfur.
Satellite imagery indicates bodies on the streets, with an estimated hundreds killed, although disrupted communications and limited information from refugees complicate the assessment of the situation. Concerns extend to those who managed to escape the city, as they face risks of extortion, rape, and violence during their dangerous journey. Tom Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, emphasized the urgent need for action to address the dire levels of human suffering in El Fasher and Darfur.
The UN has labeled Sudan’s enduring civil war, characterized by widespread sexual violence, famine, indiscriminate warfare in civilian areas, and the displacement of millions, as the most significant humanitarian crisis globally. Fletcher highlighted that the crisis in Sudan fundamentally stems from a failure to protect and uphold international law.
Warnings from aid organizations and activists about potential ethnic violence have surfaced as the RSF asserted dominance over the army and its allies. The RSF’s origins in the Janjaweed militia, responsible for genocide in Darfur in the early 2000s, add to the concerns.
Family members, like Nadia Taha, have experienced the anguish of losing loved ones in the conflict. Taha expressed fear for her uncle’s safety and recounted the loss of her brother, Mohammed Adam Abdullah Taha, who was killed by an RSF drone while aiding others to escape the besieged city.
Despite denials of civilian harm by the RSF, reports from the World Health Organization alleged that around 460 individuals were killed at El Fasher’s Saudi Hospital. RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo acknowledged “abuses” by his forces and pledged accountability through an ongoing investigation.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reportedly supports the RSF as part of its broader strategy to expand influence and counter Islamist groups in the region. While denying allegations of weapon transfers to the RSF, the UAE offered $100 million in humanitarian aid during a recent UN Security Council session.
The journey to safety for those fleeing El Fasher is treacherous, with many enduring hardships and dangers along the way. The displacement of thousands underscores the urgency of the situation, as the conflict in El Fasher raises alarming parallels to past atrocities in Darfur. Satellite evidence and reports indicate a systematic campaign of violence and potential ethnic cleansing in the region, demanding immediate international attention and action.