Militia Takes Over El Fasher, Leaving Death and Devastation Behind

Cairo – Sudanhorizon – Sabah Mousa

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) marked their capture of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, by committing brutal acts against civilians — a city that had served as a lifeline for humanitarian operations across the five Darfur states. Since May 10, 2024, the city had been under a tight siege by the militia, which blocked aid from reaching thousands of trapped residents.

Alarming Escalation

On Sunday, the RSF announced its seizure of El Fasher and the Sudanese Army’s Sixth Infantry Division headquarters.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Monday of a “terrifying escalation” in the conflict, saying the suffering in Sudan has become “intolerable.”

Atrocities and Ethnic Killings

The Sudan Doctors’ Union Network reported dozens of civilians executed on ethnic grounds, with medical facilities and pharmacies looted. The network described the events as “ethnic cleansing crimes” and said the security breakdown made it impossible to reach affected areas.
The group condemned the militia’s attacks on hospitals and civilians, calling it a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.”

Civilians Trapped and Terrified

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped amid the fighting.
UN Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher stated that civilians were “living in terror, under shelling, starving, and without access to food, healthcare, or safety.”
He urged an immediate ceasefire and the creation of safe corridors to allow civilians to flee and receive humanitarian aid, stressing that “attacks on hospitals, civilians, and relief operations must stop immediately.”

War Crimes and International Reactions

Sudanese Prime Minister Dr. Kamel Idris told Al Jazeera that the situation in El Fasher and Bara constitutes war crimes and ethnic cleansing, calling for urgent international intervention. He praised the Sudanese Armed Forces for their lawful conduct and resilience across the battlefronts.

Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minnawi acknowledged the city’s fall but insisted, “The fall of El Fasher does not mean surrendering Darfur’s future to violent groups… every inch will return to its people.” He called for independent investigations into the atrocities.

U.S. Calls for Civilian Protection

U.S. Presidential Advisor for African Affairs Mossad Bolus urged the RSF to protect civilians immediately, issue clear public orders to their forces, and open humanitarian corridors. He warned that “the world is watching El Fasher with deep concern.”

Horrific Footage and Casualties

Videos circulating on social media show RSF fighters executing civilians and looting. The Joint Forces Command confirmed the death of its spokesperson, Colonel Ahmed Hussein Mustafa, and war correspondent Asia Khalifa, while Al Jazeera Mubasher reporter Muammar Ibrahim was reportedly detained.

A Humanitarian Catastrophe

Adam Regal, spokesperson for Darfur’s displaced persons, described the situation as “catastrophic.” He told Sudanhorizon that hundreds have fled to Tawila under dire conditions, adding that “we face a massive humanitarian disaster.” He appealed for urgent UN assistance, including water, food, shelter, healthcare, and psychological support.

“Unbearable Suffering”

Saleh Mansour, head of the Sudan Liberation Movement office in the Middle East, said civilians in El Fasher are “exhausted, hungry, and being executed on ethnic grounds.” He noted the RSF’s military superiority — with drones, armored vehicles, and heavy equipment — against small, besieged Sudanese army units.

Despite the odds, he said, Sudanese forces repelled more than 250 attacks before being overwhelmed. Mansour asserted the RSF cannot hold El Fasher, calling its occupation “a temporary political maneuver for negotiation leverage.”

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