The Siege of El Fasher: A Microcosm of Sudan's Ongoing Conflict

Since May 2024, El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has endured a prolonged urban siege, characterized by attrition and starvation tactics employed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has transformed the city into a battleground where traditional warfare methods intersect with modern military technology, including drone warfare. The RSF has fortified its positions around El Fasher, effectively cutting off access and creating choke points that restrict movement in and out of the city.

The Guardian

The siege has precipitated a dire humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating that the city is on the brink of famine. Basic necessities have become scarce, with prices skyrocketing; for instance, two kilos of millet now cost $100, while the average monthly salary was previously around $70. Residents are often limited to one meal a day, and many have resorted to consuming peanut-shell residue, typically used for livestock feed. The situation has been exacerbated by the absence of formal aid since the siege began, leaving the population to rely on makeshift solutions and volunteer efforts.

The Guardian

Accounts from residents illustrate the harrowing conditions faced daily. Families have adapted to the bombardment by sheltering in trenches, which have become a part of the city's architecture of survival. Eyewitness testimonies reveal the psychological toll of living under constant threat; one resident described the routine of descending into trenches at dawn, preparing for the RSF's shelling. The unpredictability of drone surveillance adds another layer of fear, as residents are left to wonder whether the drones signify impending attacks.

The Guardian

The RSF's ability to sustain its siege is partly attributed to external military support, particularly from the United Arab Emirates. This backing has enabled the RSF to maintain its operations and intensify its assaults on El Fasher, complicating the already dire situation for civilians. The conflict has blurred the lines between combatants and non-combatants, as every able-bodied man and boy is perceived as a potential fighter, further entrenching the militarization of daily life.

The Guardian

Critics of the RSF's tactics highlight the humanitarian implications of the siege, arguing that the use of starvation as a weapon of war is a violation of international law. The ongoing conflict has drawn condemnation from various humanitarian organizations, which emphasize the urgent need for aid and intervention to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.

The Guardian

• “We know the schedule now. Each dawn we prepare for it.” — Resident of El Fasher

The Guardian

• “But during shelling or street fighting, we’re trapped.” — Omar, El Fasher resident

The Guardian

• “You can’t even light a cigarette,” — Abdallah, a resident describing the fear of drone surveillance

The Guardian

The siege of El Fasher serves as a stark representation of the broader conflict in Sudan, where traditional warfare tactics clash with modern military capabilities. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the need for international attention and intervention becomes increasingly critical to address the suffering of the city's inhabitants and to seek a resolution to the ongoing violence.

The Guardian