Paramilitary Forces Seize Sudan Army’s Final Stronghold in Darfur Region

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated dramatically as paramilitary forces have successfully taken control of the Sudanese army’s last stronghold in the Darfur region. This shift occurred in el-Fasher, following intense and brutal fighting that has been reported since April 2023.

RSF Claims Control of El-Fasher

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, has officially ousted the national army from el-Fasher. This city is crucial as it had been the army’s final bastion in the region. Following the RSF’s advance, numerous civilians have been reported dead, and chaos ensued as RSF fighters clashed with withdrawing military personnel.

Impact on Civilians

• Over 260,000 civilians trapped in el-Fasher, with approximately half being children.
• Reports suggest dozens have died in violence.
• Thousand of civilians have fled, with many seeking refuge in nearby towns.

The UN has raised serious concerns over reported atrocities committed by the RSF, including summary executions and ethnic targeting. Eyewitness accounts describe fighters celebrating their victory while others reported scenes of violence, with civilians being shot or detained.

Military Withdrawal and Response

In response to the growing violence against civilians, military leadership made the decision to withdraw from el-Fasher. General Abdel-Fattah Burhan stated that the army aimed to minimize harm to the civilian population amid heavy RSF shelling. He vowed that the Sudanese people would hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Human Rights Violations

The UN Human Rights Office and local monitoring groups have documented the escalating violence and potential war crimes. Allegations include:

• Systematic targeting and detaining of civilians by RSF.
• Looting of hospitals and destruction of healthcare facilities.
• Ethnically motivated killings.

The Doctors’ Union has labeled el-Fasher as a “brutal killing field,” calling for international acknowledgment of the RSF as a terrorist entity. Humanitarian groups report that access to essential services such as food and healthcare has been severely compromised.

Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

The conflict’s toll continues to rise, with estimates indicating over 40,000 people have lost their lives. The ongoing violence has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, pushing millions to flee their homes. It is reported that more than 14 million people are currently displaced, facing famine-like conditions.

International Concern

The international community has been urged to respond urgently to the situation. Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher expressed grave concerns over civilian safety in el-Fasher, calling for enhanced access for aid organizations.

The situation in Sudan remains dire, with the RSF’s recent victory in el-Fasher marking a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict, raising fears of further fragmentation of the country.