Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Following RSF Control of El-Fasher

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has intensified dramatically following the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) capture of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on October 26, 2025. This event marked the end of an 18-month siege by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and has led to the displacement of at least 81,817 individuals, primarily fleeing on foot from the violence. The International Organization for Migration reports that many of the displaced are seeking refuge in El-Fasher and the nearby town of Tawila. The RSF's takeover has been accompanied by widespread reports of atrocities, including mass executions, torture, and sexual violence, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

Al Jazeera (website)Sudan’s deepening crisis and the urgent need for African unity

As of November 2025, Sudan is facing the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with over 9.5 million people internally displaced across 185 localities. The UN estimates that more than half of the displaced population consists of children under 18. The ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023, has resulted in approximately 12 million people displaced, with many fleeing to neighboring countries such as Egypt, South Sudan, and Chad. The RSF's control over El-Fasher has further strained humanitarian efforts, with reports indicating that the city, home to 1.5 million people, is facing severe famine and outbreaks of cholera.

Al Jazeera (website)Sudan’s deepening crisis and the urgent need for African unityUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

The RSF's actions in El-Fasher have drawn international condemnation. Satellite imagery has documented mass killings and the destruction of medical facilities, with the Sudan Doctors Network reporting at least 1,500 deaths during the RSF's takeover. The UN Security Council has expressed grave concern over the reported atrocities, including summary executions and arbitrary detentions. Despite calls for a ceasefire from the international community, including the United States and the African Union, both the RSF and SAF have shown little willingness to negotiate, with the RSF recently accepting a proposal for a humanitarian ceasefire.

Atrocity Alert No. 457: Sudan, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Critics argue that the international community's response has been inadequate, with calls for invoking the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle to prevent further atrocities. The situation in Sudan is reminiscent of past genocides, with fears that unchecked violence could lead to a repeat of historical atrocities in Darfur. The RSF's actions have raised alarms about the potential for ethnic cleansing and further destabilization in the region.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan poses a significant threat not only to the country's stability but also to regional security. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the need for immediate international support and intervention becomes increasingly urgent. The situation in El-Fasher serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction in the face of escalating violence and human rights violations. The international community must act decisively to protect vulnerable populations and work towards a sustainable resolution to the conflict.