In the arid heart of North Darfur, Sudan, the city of El Fasher stands as a grim testament to the horrors of modern warfare. For over 500 days, it has been under siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), transforming from a bustling regional capital into a city on the brink of annihilation. The United Nations has now issued a stark warning: El Fasher teeters on the precipice of large-scale, ethnically driven atrocities.
According to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, the situation is dire. Between September 19 and 29, the Daraja Oula neighborhood endured relentless attacks, including artillery shelling, drone strikes, and ground incursions. These assaults have left at least 91 civilians dead and many more wounded, with the RSF’s tactics targeting markets, mosques, and civilian infrastructure.
The humanitarian crisis is equally catastrophic. The siege has cut off essential supplies, leading to widespread famine and disease. Cholera and dengue fever are rapidly spreading, exacerbating the suffering of the city’s inhabitants. The UN reports that over 24 million Sudanese face acute food insecurity, with El Fasher being one of the most affected areas.
Despite these grave conditions, humanitarian aid remains scarce. The RSF’s blockade has prevented relief organizations from accessing the city, leaving thousands without medical care or food. Those who attempt to flee face perilous journeys, with many succumbing to injuries or exhaustion before reaching safety.
The international community has been slow to respond. While Egypt has expressed support for efforts to end the siege, concrete actions have been limited. The UN has called for urgent intervention to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities, but so far, these appeals have gone largely unheeded.
As the siege continues, the people of El Fasher endure unimaginable hardships. Children suffer from malnutrition and disease, while families are torn apart by violence and displacement. The city’s once-vibrant markets now lie in ruins, and its streets are eerily silent, save for the sounds of distant artillery fire.
The situation in El Fasher serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating impact of armed conflict on civilian populations. It underscores the urgent need for the international community to uphold its responsibility to protect civilians and prevent atrocities. Without immediate action, El Fasher may become another forgotten tragedy in the annals of modern warfare.
