Full Breakdown
Dire Humanitarian Crisis in El-Fasher Following RSF Takeover
1/2/2026, 9:48:38 PM
Overview of the Humanitarian Situation
The United Nations humanitarian team recently entered el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, for the first time since the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control in October 2023. The visit revealed a city largely deserted and marked by widespread destruction, food shortages, and a lack of medical care. Denise Brown, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, described el-Fasher as a “crime scene,” highlighting the dire conditions faced by the remaining residents, many of whom are living in makeshift shelters.
Background of the Conflict
The RSF's takeover followed an 18-month siege of el-Fasher, during which survivors reported mass killings and ethnic violence. The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has escalated since April 2023, resulting in significant civilian casualties and displacements. The RSF's actions have drawn accusations of war crimes from rights groups, while the SAF has also faced allegations of human rights violations.
Current Conditions in El-Fasher
The UN team found that the few remaining residents in el-Fasher are struggling to survive. Many lack access to clean water, sanitation, and adequate healthcare. Food prices have skyrocketed, with reports of rice costing as much as $100 per kilogram. Medical facilities are paralyzed, and the healthcare system is virtually non-functional. Brown noted that the humanitarian crisis in el-Fasher reflects a broader pattern of atrocities across Sudan, indicating that similar situations may arise in other affected areas.
Displacement and Humanitarian Needs
Since the RSF's takeover, over 100,000 residents have fled el-Fasher, with many displaced individuals already having been internally displaced prior to the conflict. The UN estimates that approximately 14 million people have been displaced across Sudan, with 4 million now requiring humanitarian assistance. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of humanitarian access, as insecurity and logistical challenges hinder relief operations.
Official Statements and Responses
Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council chairman, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has pledged to defeat the RSF while emphasizing the possibility of national reconciliation. However, the United States has expressed deep concern over the military leadership's rhetoric, urging a shift towards peace rather than continued conflict. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan is among the worst globally.
Criticism and Opposition
Rights groups have condemned the RSF for its role in the violence and humanitarian crisis, accusing the paramilitary group of committing genocide in Darfur. The international community's response has been criticized as inadequate, with calls for more decisive action to address the ongoing atrocities and support humanitarian efforts.
What's Next?
The UN plans to conduct further assessments in el-Fasher and explore safe routes for humanitarian access. However, the situation remains precarious, with concerns about the safety of those who are injured or detained. The international community faces pressure to respond effectively to the crisis, as the humanitarian needs continue to grow amid ongoing violence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The level of destruction and human distress is immense,” — Denise Brown, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan
- “We anticipate similar situations in other areas affected by this conflict.” — Denise Brown
- “El-Fasher has no sign of life; the healthcare system there is completely paralysed.” — Mohamed Elsheikh, Sudan Doctors Network
- “Victory is coming, and it will belong to the Sudanese people,” — Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council
