The RSF continues to besiege El Fasher

The RSF continues to besiege El Fasher

The RSF is a powerful paramilitary force in Sudan that emerged from militias with a violent legacy and now plays a key role in Sudan's ongoing conflict and political instability. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue to besiege the Sudanese city of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. This siege has been ongoing since April 2024 and has led to severe humanitarian crises. El Fasher is the last major city held by the Sudanese government in the Darfur region, and the RSF has long sought to take control of the city. In recent weeks, there has been an escalation of violence, particularly with large-scale RSF attacks on El Fasher and the adjacent Abu Shouk refugee camp, which is home to internally displaced people. At least 57 civilians were killed in these attacks, including 40 in the Abu Shouk camp. The attacks include repeated shelling and targeted violence against civilians, raising international human rights concerns. The UN has expressed concern about these attacks and called for the protection of civilians and a humanitarian pause to allow vital aid to arrive. Furthermore, exit routes from El Fasher are blocked, leaving many people trapped in the city, at risk of hunger and a lack of medical care. According to the UN, around 25 million people – half the population – in Sudan are suffering from acute hunger. The UN also warned of a high risk of ethnic persecution as rebels attempt to take control of El Fasher and the Abu Shouk camp. The siege is leading to an acute humanitarian emergency: Many residents are suffering from hunger because aid deliveries are being blocked or have stopped arriving. Some families are trying to grow makeshift food in their homes or eat fodder crops, but this is far from enough. Children are particularly vulnerable, and the situation could deteriorate further if a humanitarian solution is not found. The humanitarian situation in the region is catastrophic. There are reports of attacks on civilians. Looting and sexual violence are also increasing.