Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: Al-Fashir's Fall and Its Aftermath

The city of al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, has recently fallen to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after an 18-month siege, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. Since the RSF's takeover on October 26, 2025, approximately 82,000 people have fled al-Fashir, with many arriving at humanitarian camps in Tawila in critical condition. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) reported that some children are so malnourished and dehydrated that treatment may not save them. Survivors have described relying on animal feed and rainwater during their perilous journey, with many arriving unable to speak due to extreme dehydration.

Malnourished children flee Sudan’s al-FashirReutersPeople fleeing al-Fashir in Sudan are in a "disturbing" conditionThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)

The influx of displaced individuals has overwhelmed Tawila, which was already hosting over 600,000 internally displaced persons from previous conflicts. NRC staff expressed concern that thousands remain unaccounted for, with estimates suggesting that up to 200,000 people may still be trapped in al-Fashir. The humanitarian response is strained, with limited access to basic supplies such as water and soap, exacerbating the dire conditions faced by the newly displaced.

Malnourished children flee Sudan’s al-Fashir

In a related development, the RSF has agreed to a humanitarian truce proposed by a U.S.-led mediator group known as the Quad. This agreement aims to facilitate discussions on a cessation of hostilities and address the root causes of the ongoing conflict. However, the Sudanese army has stated it will only agree to a truce if the RSF withdraws from civilian areas and disarms, reflecting the complexities of the negotiations.

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The war between the RSF and the Sudanese military, which began in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. The World Food Program has reported that over 24 million people in Sudan are facing acute food insecurity, with famine conditions declared in al-Fashir and Kadugli. The ongoing violence has made it increasingly difficult for humanitarian organizations to provide aid, as many areas remain inaccessible due to conflict.

Malnourished children flee Sudan’s al-Fashir

Human rights organizations have raised alarms over the RSF's actions during the siege, with reports of mass killings and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. The RSF has denied these allegations, claiming to facilitate humanitarian access. The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold an emergency session to address the situation in al-Fashir, following widespread concerns about human rights violations.

People fleeing al-Fashir in Sudan are in a "disturbing" condition

• “You have children who've been so malnourished, so famished during this past few months in al-Fashir that even with treatment, maybe they won't survive.” — Mathilde Vu, Norwegian Refugee Council

Reuters

• “Starvation is being used as a weapon of war,” — Mathilde Vu, Norwegian Refugee Council

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

• “Every single person who arrives in Tawila has one or multiple members of their family that they cannot account for,” — Shashwat Saraf, NRC relief worker

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

The U.S. and its partners are continuing to work towards a more sustainable ceasefire and humanitarian access. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalations in violence or humanitarian needs as the conflict continues to unfold. The upcoming emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council may also influence international responses to the crisis.

People fleeing al-Fashir in Sudan are in a "disturbing" condition