An unfolding catastrophe for civilians in El Fasher, North Darfur

Following the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) recent capture of El Fashir in North Darfur – a city under merciless siege for the last 18 months – the humanitarian situation has deteriorated sharply, marked by mass killings, forced displacement, and the collapse of the few remaining essential services.

Local humanitarian groups estimate around 1,500 civilians have been killed, but the true figure is not known. Large numbers are reported to be fleeing the city traumatised, in poor health and at grave risk of further violence or death. Some have reached the nearby town of Tawila, with possibly thousands more expected in the coming days. Tawila is a small town several days walk from El Fahser under the control of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, a faction not aligned to the warring parties. It is already overwhelmed.

Conditions inside El Fashir are largely unknown due to a communication blackout and restricted movement. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 250,000 people remain with little access to food or clean water and cholera is spreading rapidly. There are reports of community-based volunteers missing, and members of local humanitarian organisations have confirmed to us that members have either been killed or are unaccounted for. This is a deepening humanitarian catastrophe as civilians once again bear the brunt of this brutal war. 

For the past 13 years, Saferworld has worked alongside remarkable community peacebuilding volunteers and associations across most of the states of Sudan – including throughout the war. In this dark time of loss and despair, those bravely responding to their communities in Darfur told us directly a few days ago: 

“Please tell those who can help us, we need it urgently. You must ensure our civilians, medical personnel, and volunteers are safeguarded from ongoing violence.” 

"Our people can’t take anymore. They need safe passage without violence or death to reach a safe place – can that at least be guaranteed?” 

“Can you make sure the areas away from El Fasher and not at war are not disturbed by the fighters? They are hosting our people fleeing a nightmare, they need to know it will stay safe.” 

These are heartfelt pleas for the protection, dignity and urgent care of distressed civilians in, or fleeing from, El Fasher. They feel forgotten by the world. Coordinated action by states with influence over the parties in Sudan can still make a profound difference in halting the war, and enable the people of Sudan to achieve the peace they deserve.