The situation in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, has come to the forefront of attention for observers of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, which erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in mid-April 2023 — and now enters its third year.
As a recent report by Al Jazeera indicated, residents of the city have endured dire humanitarian conditions, marked by the collapse of basic services and the denial of safe passage to humanitarian shelters, amid army-imposed restrictions.
In the latest developments on the ground, a military source from within El Fasher revealed that RSF fighters are approaching the perimeter of the Sudanese army’s 6th Infantry Division, located in the city’s center, and are poised to take full control.
The source noted “significant shifts in recent military operations between the RSF, the army, and allied armed movements”, with the army retreating from key defensive positions in the heart of the city. This development, as observers highlighted, is notably unprecedented, potentially indicating a change in the balance of power in the conflict.
Surrender and humane treatment
Some military source reported that dozens of soldiers and mobilised fighters from both the army and allied armed groups have laid down their weapons and surrendered to the RSF.
This followed an earlier appeal by the RSF calling on all armed personnel of the army and joint forces to evacuate El Fasher peacefully. The RSF pledged to secure safe corridors and guarantee the safety of all those who chose to surrender.
In its statement, the RSF promised humane treatment for anyone who laid down their arms and opted for peace, under the framework of legal procedures and international conventions to which Sudan is a signatory.
As part of what it terms the “liberation of Sudan,” the RSF has made significant advances in El Fasher, capturing new positions following the surrender of units from the Sudanese Armed Forces and their allied joint forces.
El Fasher remains one of the most pivotal battlegrounds in the ongoing conflict. Its potential fall to the RSF would mark a critical turning point in the war, given the city’s strategic importance and symbolic weight—militarily and politically—within the Darfur region, according to Sudanese reports.
Humanitarian corridors
Amid the intensifying violence, Dr. El-Hadi Idris Yahya, Governor of Darfur and a member of the Presidential Council for Peace and Unity Government, issued an urgent appeal to residents of El Fasher. He urged civilians to move toward the Qarni area for evacuation to safer regions within 48 hours.
He assured residents that protection forces were on standby to secure the evacuation, stating: “The forces are ready and deployed in the Qarni area,” with vehicles arranged to transport civilians to secure shelters.
The Sudan Founding Coalition, known as “Ta’sis,” had earlier announced it had secured displaced families from El Fasher after the army had barred their exit. The coalition provided food and medical aid to the displaced.
In an official statement, it confirmed that the basic needs of the displaced—such as drinking water and food—had been met as part of ongoing efforts to protect civilians and alleviate their suffering.
The coalition reaffirmed its full commitment to its national and humanitarian responsibilities toward the people, and called on all relevant parties to support and coordinate efforts to protect civilians and keep them out of active combat zones.
For deeper context on Sudan’s internal political fractures and resistance movements, read:
🔗 Port Sudan Power Struggle: Will Armed Groups Defy the Army Before Cabinet Is Formed?
For more insights into pressing issues affecting South Africa and the continent at large, make sure to regularly visit the NOWinSA Africa News homepage.
