Humanitarian Crisis in Al-Fashir: Aftermath of RSF Takeover

Al-Fashir, a city in Sudan's Darfur region, has faced a humanitarian catastrophe following its takeover by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in October 2025. This event occurred after a prolonged siege lasting over 500 days, leading to widespread displacement and severe shortages of basic necessities. Recent reports from a United Nations humanitarian team, which visited the city for the first time in nearly two years, reveal a dire situation for the remaining residents.

During the UN's visit, led by Denise Brown, the U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, the team found Al-Fashir largely deserted, with only a few individuals sheltering in abandoned buildings or makeshift camps. An estimated 100,000 people have fled the city since the RSF's takeover, and those who remain are reportedly living in precarious conditions, lacking adequate sanitation and access to clean water. Brown described the city as a "crime scene," highlighting the trauma experienced by survivors, many of whom are elderly, sick, or injured.

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The RSF's control of Al-Fashir has been marked by allegations of mass atrocities, including massacres, torture, and sexual violence. Satellite imagery has indicated the presence of mass graves, further underscoring the severity of the situation. Brown noted that the city, once home to over a million people, is now considered the "epicenter of human suffering" in Sudan, facing a declared famine.

The UN team faced significant challenges in accessing Al-Fashir, negotiating for safe passage and free movement amid ongoing violence. Their visit was limited to a few hours due to concerns over unexploded ordnance and mines from the conflict. Brown expressed ongoing concerns for those who are injured or unaccounted for, stating, "We are still very concerned about those who are injured, who we didn't see, those who may be detained."

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Denise Brown emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid, stating, "These people are living in very precarious situations... very undignified, unsafe conditions." The UN is focused on assessing the needs of the survivors and restoring aid, while human rights experts are expected to investigate the reported atrocities.

Critics have raised concerns about the RSF's portrayal of the situation in Al-Fashir as returning to normal, contrasting sharply with the realities observed by aid workers. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced approximately 11 million people, leading the UN to declare it "the world’s worst humanitarian disaster."

Future UN missions will aim to assess water and sanitation needs in Al-Fashir, while efforts to provide humanitarian assistance continue to be hampered by the RSF's control and the ongoing violence in the region. The international community remains watchful of the situation as investigations into the reported atrocities are planned.