Khartoum: Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Sunday that they have taken control of El-Fasher, the last major urban center in western Darfur not under their control. Local pro-army groups, however, accused the RSF of engaging in a "media disinformation campaign" and claimed that residents continue to resist the paramilitary forces. The RSF's assertion of control over El-Fasher marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict in the region.
According to United Nations, the RSF had laid siege to El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, for the past 18 months, fighting against the army and its allies, including former rebels and local fighters. The RSF has been accused of targeting civilians through drone and artillery strikes, leading to starvation among the 250,000 people remaining in the city's west. The Popular Resistance, a local pro-army group, has maintained that residents are still resisting the RSF's advances.
Since August, the RSF has intensified its attacks on El-Fasher, reportedly breaking down the army's last defensive lines. The RSF claimed last week that it was allowing civilians and surrendered fighters to leave the city, though reports have emerged of robberies, sexual assaults, and killings by RSF soldiers during these evacuations. Videos released by the RSF on Sunday appeared to show army forces retreating and RSF fighters celebrating at key military locations.
The fall of El-Fasher would signify a pivotal moment in Sudan's two-year conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced nearly 12 million people. Control over all five Darfur state capitals would further consolidate the RSF's parallel administration in Nyala. Analysts have warned that this could effectively lead to a partition of Sudan, with the RSF controlling Darfur and parts of the south, while the army holds the north, east, and center.
The RSF has stated its commitment to providing "safe corridors" for those wishing to relocate and ensuring protection for the city's inhabitants. However, US senior advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, has urged the RSF to open "humanitarian corridors" for civilian evacuation. Approximately 260,000 civilians, half of whom are children, remain trapped in El-Fasher without access to aid or food. Four UN agencies have raised alarms about the imminent risk of death for thousands of malnourished children due to collapsing health services, along with increasing reports of violence and forced recruitment.
Despite international appeals, both sides of the conflict have ignored calls for a ceasefire. Representatives from the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates met in Washington to discuss peace efforts and a transition to civilian rule in Sudan. They reaffirmed their support for a September peace proposal that includes a three-month truce and a permanent ceasefire, but the meeting yielded little progress.