Fighting in the Sudanese city of El-Fasher has continued to escalate, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) tightening their siege on the capital of North Darfur. The city, a last stronghold of the Sudanese army in the region, has been under blockade for more than a year as RSF fighters loyal to General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, seek to wrest full control.
In recent days, the violence has intensified. Airstrikes across Darfur have left at least 19 people dead and dozens more wounded, according to the local NGO Emergency Lawyers. On Saturday, a drone strike by the Sudanese army struck a medical clinic in South Darfur, killing 12 people around midday. Later that same day, further bombings hit El-Fasher, killing seven more civilians. Medical sources said those strikes were most likely carried out by the RSF.
Observers note that the RSF has significantly stepped up its assaults in recent weeks, raising fears of an even more devastating humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has warned that El-Fasher is on the brink of starvation, with aid deliveries unable to reach the besieged city. UNICEF estimates that some 6,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition without access to treatment.
“We are witnessing a devastating tragedy – children in El-Fasher are starving while UNICEF’s lifesaving nutrition services are being blocked,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
The UN reports that around 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, are trapped inside the area’s main camp for internally displaced people. With conditions worsening daily, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a strong appeal on Friday, calling for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians. He said he was “appalled” by what he described as the RSF’s “relentless attacks” on the city.
