Full Breakdown
Rapid Support Forces Claim Control of El Fasher, Sudan
10/27/2025, 12:10:02 AM
RSF's Strategic Victory in El Fasher
Sudan's paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), announced on October 26, 2025, that it has seized control of El Fasher, the last major urban center in the Darfur region still held by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This development marks a significant turning point in the ongoing civil war, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced nearly 12 million people since its outbreak in April 2023. The RSF's claim follows a prolonged siege of the city, which has left its residents facing severe humanitarian crises, including starvation and lack of medical supplies.
The RSF stated that it had captured the Sixth Division Headquarters of the Sudanese military, describing the operation as a "liberation" from "mercenaries and militias." Videos circulated on social media purportedly show RSF fighters celebrating at the military base, while local pro-army groups, such as the Popular Resistance, accused the RSF of engaging in a "media disinformation campaign" to undermine morale among government forces.
Humanitarian Crisis and International Concerns
The situation in El Fasher remains dire, with reports indicating that approximately 300,000 people are trapped amid ongoing fighting. The United Nations has warned that thousands of malnourished children are at imminent risk of death due to the collapse of health services. Additionally, there are rising concerns about potential massacres targeting non-Arab communities, reminiscent of atrocities committed during previous conflicts in the region.
The RSF's control over El Fasher could lead to a de facto partition of Sudan, with the RSF dominating the west and southwest while the SAF retains control over the east and the capital, Khartoum. Analysts suggest that this shift could provide the RSF with leverage in future peace negotiations, particularly with the recent formation of a Joint Operational Committee by the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates aimed at stabilizing Sudan.
Official Statements & Responses
The RSF characterized its victory as a step toward establishing a new state that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people for "freedom, peace, and justice." In contrast, the SAF has not publicly commented on the RSF's claims, and local resistance groups maintain that fighting continues in El Fasher, asserting that the city has not fallen entirely to the RSF.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the RSF's actions, including local pro-army factions, argue that the RSF's claims of control are exaggerated and part of a broader strategy to demoralize government forces. They emphasize that while the RSF may have captured military installations, significant portions of El Fasher remain contested.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the RSF asserts full control over El Fasher, local reports indicate that fighting persists in various parts of the city, and the SAF may have retreated to fortified positions. The lack of independent verification of the RSF's claims complicates the situation, leaving many details of the conflict unclear.
What's Next
As the RSF consolidates its power in El Fasher, the international community continues to call for a ceasefire and humanitarian access. However, both the RSF and SAF have largely ignored these appeals, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region.
