Full Breakdown
Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis: The Siege of El Fasher and Its Impact on Women and Girls
9/6/2025, 6:56:26 AM
The Siege of El Fasher: A Humanitarian Catastrophe
Since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan in April 2023, the city of El Fasher in North Darfur has endured a 500-day siege, severely impacting its civilian population, particularly women and girls. The conflict, primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to widespread violence, starvation, and sexual violence as methods of warfare. The United Nations has reported at least 125 civilian deaths in recent weeks, with the actual toll likely higher. The siege has cut off humanitarian aid, leaving families to survive on animal feed and tree leaves.
The Plight of Women and Girls
Women and girls in El Fasher face dire conditions, including famine and rampant sexual violence. UN Women has highlighted that sexual violence is systematically used as a weapon of war, with reports of rape and gang rape being widespread. A displaced woman recounted, “We were eating ambaz (residue of peanuts ground for oil), like everyone, although usually it’s used for animals.” The humanitarian crisis has resulted in over 1.79 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in North Darfur, with women and girls constituting more than half of this population.
Systematic Violence and Health Crises
The ongoing conflict has devastated health services, with more than 41 health and educational facilities destroyed. Pregnant women are giving birth without skilled attendants, and survivors of sexual violence lack medical support. Dr. Rabab Baldo, a member of FemWise-Africa, noted that the targeting of women is rooted in systemic inequality and a backlash against their roles in the 2019 uprising against the former regime. She stated, “Since it started, the war has been fought on the bodies of women.”
Broader Implications of the Crisis
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is compounded by a food system collapse, with 89% of surveyed farmers reporting declines in productivity due to violence and insecurity. Women smallholder farmers are particularly affected, facing steep financial challenges and systemic conflict-related sexual violence. CARE's research indicates that 87% of farmers surveyed were women, highlighting the gendered impacts of the crisis.
Official Responses and Calls for Action
International organizations have called for urgent humanitarian access and protection for civilians. UN Women emphasized, “The world cannot remain silent. Member States and the international community must act with urgency and courage.” However, humanitarian access remains severely restricted, and the international community's response has been criticized as inadequate.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The situation in El Fasher is further complicated by conflicting reports regarding the death toll and humanitarian needs. While local authorities estimate thousands have perished due to the siege and related violence, the UN has struggled to verify these figures due to access challenges. The ongoing civil war has created a fragmented humanitarian landscape, making coordinated responses difficult.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action
As the humanitarian crisis in Sudan deepens, the plight of women and girls in El Fasher serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international intervention. The ongoing violence, famine, and health crises underscore the necessity for a coordinated global response to alleviate suffering and restore stability in the region.
