Tens of Thousands Flee El-Fasher as Violence Escalates in Sudan
Tens of thousands of Sudanese civilians have fled the city of el-Fasher in the Darfur region, seeking refuge in overcrowded camps following its capture by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last month, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the country.
Since the RSF seized el-Fasher on October 26, over 16,200 people have arrived in the Tawila camps, approximately 43 miles away, according to aid group Sudan’s IDPs and Refugee Camps. The International Organization for Migration estimates around 82,000 have fled the city and surrounding areas as of November 4, often traveling on foot to reach safety. Conditions in Tawila are desperate, with limited shelter and food; families are reportedly surviving on as few as two meals a day. Doctors Without Borders reported yesterday that 300 people arrived in Tawila alone, with “extremely high levels of malnutrition among children and adults.”
The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army, which began in April 2023, has resulted in at least 40,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization, though the actual number is feared to be much higher. U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned Friday that civilians remaining in el-Fasher are at grave risk, stating, “I fear that the abominable atrocities such as summary executions, rape and ethnically motivated violence are continuing within the city.” Reports indicate the RSF rampaged through the Saudi Hospital in el-Fasher, killing over 450 people, a claim the RSF denies. This fighting is further destabilizing a region already grappling with widespread conflict and displacement, as detailed by the International Crisis Group.
While the RSF announced a humanitarian truce proposed by a U.S.-led mediator group known as the Quad, the army stated it will only agree to the proposal if the RSF withdraws from civilian areas and disarms. Recent violence has spread to the Kordofan region, with a drone attack in el-Obeid earlier this week killing at least 40 people. The escalating conflict threatens to reverse recent gains in stability and could draw the violence closer to central Sudan.
Officials say the situation remains fluid, and international pressure is mounting for a cessation of hostilities and increased humanitarian access.
