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

Since May 2024, El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has endured one of the longest urban sieges in modern warfare, characterized by a brutal combination of attrition and starvation tactics employed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This siege has transformed the city into a battleground where traditional warfare methods intersect with modern military technology, including drones and advanced weaponry.

The Guardian

The conflict in Sudan escalated on April 15, 2023, when fighting erupted in Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. The RSF, originally formed as the Janjaweed militia under former dictator Omar al-Bashir, has been implicated in numerous atrocities. The ongoing violence has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, displacing over 10 million people internally and forcing 4 million to flee to neighboring countries.

The Guardian

The siege has led to severe shortages of food and medical supplies. Markets in El Fasher are nearly empty, with prices soaring to unaffordable levels—two kilos of millet now cost $100, while the average monthly salary is only $70. Residents often rely on a single meal a day, and many have resorted to eating livestock feed. The local hospital, Al Saudi, has become a site of crude triage, with volunteers forced to make life-and-death decisions due to a lack of resources.

The Guardian

Eyewitness accounts reveal the harrowing experiences of residents. Families are forced to shelter in makeshift trenches, with reports of individuals being killed or injured while attempting to navigate the dangers of their surroundings. One resident described the routine of descending into trenches at dawn to escape shelling, while another recounted the tragic death of a neighbor who lay wounded for days before succumbing to his injuries. The psychological toll is immense, with many expressing a constant state of fear and uncertainty.

The Guardian

Critics argue that the siege represents a deliberate strategy of the RSF to exert control over El Fasher and its inhabitants. The RSF has fortified positions around the city, effectively blocking access to essential supplies and humanitarian aid. The lack of formal assistance has exacerbated the suffering of civilians, leading to calls for international intervention and support.

The Guardian

While the situation in El Fasher remains dire, there are indications that external support has played a role in prolonging the RSF's capabilities. Reports suggest that military supplies and logistical support from the United Arab Emirates have bolstered the RSF's operations. However, El Fasher remains a critical front in the conflict, with some observers noting that it could still be a site for potential resolution.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

• “You can’t even light a cigarette,” — Abdallah, Resident

The Guardian

• “I get by on one meal if I can,” — Omar, Resident

The Guardian

• “The fear never changes,” — Hela, a young woman who fled the city

The Guardian

The siege of El Fasher encapsulates the broader humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where traditional warfare tactics clash with modern military strategies, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire.

The Guardian