Sudan’s Civil War: RSF Offensive in El-Fasher Sparks International Outcry

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a devastating attack on the city of El-Fasher in western Darfur, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people and injuries to dozens more. This incident, confirmed by both local pro-democracy activists and North Darfur’s Health Ministry, has intensified the humanitarian crisis gripping the region since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023. As the civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF rages on, the city of El-Fasher, a key SAF stronghold, has become a critical battleground.

Amid the escalating violence, warnings from international bodies like the UN about a potential humanitarian catastrophe have underscored the dire situation for the city’s 1.8 million residents. With millions of Sudanese already displaced and at risk of famine, this latest assault highlights the urgent need for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected areas.

Indiscriminate Shelling and Civilian Casualties:

• Resistance Committees accused the RSF of indiscriminately shelling neighborhoods with heavy artillery.
• Photos of damaged homes, hospitals, and markets were shared, alleging the RSF targeted civilians.
• The RSF denied launching the assault and declined to comment further.
• Eyewitness accounts corroborate the allegations of indiscriminate shelling, adding to the distress of the local population.

Health Ministry Confirms Casualties:

• Director-general of North Darfur State’s Health Ministry confirmed the death toll.
• Over 25 people killed and more than 50 injured, according to Chinese official Xinhua News Agency.
• Medical facilities are overwhelmed with the injured, highlighting the dire need for medical supplies and humanitarian aid.

Context of the Conflict:

• Surge of violence amid a stalemate in El-Fasher, the SAF’s last stronghold in Darfur.
• The city has become a key front in the civil war with the RSF, causing a severe humanitarian crisis since April 2023.
• The conflict has disrupted daily life in El-Fasher, with many residents living in constant fear and uncertainty.

Warnings from International Bodies:

• In May, UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe due to escalating violence.
• Türk urged both sides to cease hostilities and resume ceasefire negotiations.
• El-Fasher has a dense population of 1.8 million residents and internally displaced people at imminent risk of famine.
• The UN and other international bodies have repeatedly called for unimpeded humanitarian access to provide relief to affected civilians.

Humanitarian Impact and Displacement:

• The conflict has displaced over 10 million Sudanese, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
• Many have fled to neighboring countries such as South Sudan and Egypt, seeking refuge from the violence.
• Various organizations have warned of the extreme risk of famine unless fighting ceases and humanitarian access is granted.
• Refugee camps in neighboring countries are struggling to cope with the influx of displaced people, facing shortages of food, water, and medical care.

Roots of the Conflict:

• Violence stems from a power struggle between SAF leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohammed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo.
• Both leaders initially agreed to integrate the RSF into the SAF to form a unified military.
• Tensions arose over the integration process and leadership of the consolidated military unit.
• The power struggle has deep historical roots and reflects broader issues of governance and control in Sudan.

International Response and Future Prospects:

• The international community has condemned the violence and called for immediate ceasefire.
• Efforts are underway to mediate peace talks between the conflicting parties.
• Long-term stability in Sudan depends on addressing underlying political and economic issues, beyond immediate ceasefire agreements.