RSF Seizes El-Fasher, Reports of Mass Killings Emerge

The city of el-Fasher in North Darfur has fallen to Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), raising alarms over potential mass killings and human rights abuses. The seizure occurred shortly after ceasefire negotiations in Washington collapsed, leaving approximately 260,000 people trapped in the city, which has been under siege for over 500 days.

On the morning of October 29, 2023, RSF fighters stormed el-Fasher, capturing an army base and overwhelming local defenses. The RSF proclaimed control of the city, labeling the event a “decisive turning point” in the conflict, which has seen them gradually lose ground to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in recent months. Videos circulating on social media allegedly show RSF fighters detaining civilians and engaging in violent acts, including firing on those attempting to flee the city.

Communication with el-Fasher has become increasingly difficult, with the city’s residents relying on limited satellite internet services to convey information. Despite the chaos, local fighters and activists from the pro-democracy Popular Resistance Committee reported ongoing resistance efforts. One fighter indicated that the RSF’s assault on Sunday was the most aggressive seen to date, utilizing heavy weaponry and drones.

International Response and Diplomatic Challenges

The RSF’s advance on el-Fasher coincided with the collapse of talks sponsored by the United States, which included participation from the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. These negotiations aimed to address the ongoing conflict that has plagued Sudan since April 2023. Diplomatic sources revealed that discussions about el-Fasher were stymied by the UAE’s reluctance to acknowledge the dire situation, despite evidence of atrocities committed by the RSF in the region.

Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Mohi al-Din Salem, representing the SAF during the talks, emphasized that any future dealings with the UAE would be framed as adversarial rather than cooperative. In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for all nations involved in the conflict to cease their arms support to the warring factions, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.

The RSF has previously faced accusations of committing genocidal acts in Darfur, and their siege on el-Fasher has intensified fears of systematic violence against civilians. The Humanitarian Research Lab has reported evidence of mass killings and clearance operations in the area, further complicating the humanitarian crisis.

Impact on Civilians and Future Prospects

The fall of el-Fasher has effectively divided Sudan into two regions, with the RSF controlling the west and the SAF managing the eastern territories from Port Sudan. As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, the international community faces growing pressure to respond effectively to the escalating violence and protect vulnerable populations.

As the RSF celebrates its recent military gains, the implications for the civilian population in el-Fasher remain dire. Reports of violence, detentions, and a lack of access to essential resources have raised urgent questions about the future stability of the region and the safety of its inhabitants. The situation continues to evolve, and the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution to a conflict that has already displaced over 13 million people and resulted in tens of thousands of casualties.