Siege, Starvation, and Suffering: Sudan’s El Fasher on the Brink
El Fasher, North Darfur — The war in Sudan, raging since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has plunged the country into one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies. Nowhere is this more evident than in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are facing hunger, violence, and displacement.
A City Under Siege
For more than a year, El Fasher has been cut off by RSF forces, with supply lines blocked and humanitarian convoys barred. Residents say food and medicine are almost impossible to obtain, with soaring prices pushing families to the brink. Aid groups warn the city is effectively sealed off, leaving around 260,000 civilians trapped inside.
Humanitarian Catastrophe
- Starvation and Malnutrition: Local medical networks reported that in September 2025 alone, 23 people including children and pregnant women died from acute malnutrition. UNICEF estimates that tens of thousands of children are now at risk, with nutrition centers shutting down due to supply shortages.
- Children in Danger: UNICEF has documented over 1,100 grave violations against children, ranging from killings and maiming to abductions and sexual violence. Roughly half of those trapped in El Fasher are children.
- Mass Displacement: At least 600,000 people have been uprooted from El Fasher and surrounding areas since the siege intensified. Camps are overwhelmed, and nearby Zamzam camp has already been declared famine-stricken.
Military and Diplomatic Stalemate
Despite the staggering human toll, neither side appears willing to compromise.
- Military Maneuvers: SAF recently reclaimed towns in North Kordofan, but RSF still dominates much of Darfur and continues efforts to seize El Fasher.
- Failed Peace Initiatives: International mediators including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE have pushed for humanitarian truces. Yet ceasefire agreements remain short-lived, and both sides continue pursuing battlefield gains.
- Foreign Involvement: Reports of foreign fighters and external arms flows underscore how regional dynamics are prolonging the conflict.
Scale of the Crisis
The war has displaced over 12 million people, marking the fastest-growing displacement crisis in the world. Nearly 25 million Sudanese face severe food insecurity, according to UN figures. Aid agencies warn that without immediate access to El Fasher, the situation could escalate into a large-scale famine and mass casualty event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is El Fasher under siege?
The RSF aims to capture El Fasher, the last major city in Darfur held by the Sudanese army. To achieve this, they have surrounded the city and blocked humanitarian access.
2. How many civilians are trapped inside?
Approximately 260,000 civilians remain trapped, half of them children, with no safe exit routes.
3. What are the main humanitarian concerns?
The most urgent threats are starvation, malnutrition, lack of medical care, and violence against civilians.
4. Has famine been declared in El Fasher?
While famine has been confirmed in nearby Zamzam camp, El Fasher is considered to be at imminent risk without urgent intervention.
5. Why have peace efforts failed?
International mediators have attempted to broker ceasefires, but both SAF and RSF prioritize territorial control over negotiations.
6. How does this affect Sudan overall?
The El Fasher siege is part of a broader civil war that has displaced millions and left nearly half the population struggling with food insecurity.
0 Comments