Rapid Support Forces Siege Sparks Mass Displacement in Sudan's El Fasher

Thousands of civilians are fleeing the violence in Sudan's El-Fasher, North Darfur, undertaking perilous journeys on foot to reach relative safety in Tawila, about 60 kilometers away. Many displaced families arrive in dire condition, suffering from severe dehydration, malnutrition, and trauma after walking for days without adequate food, water, or shelter. Humanitarian agencies report critical shortages of medical supplies, overwhelmed services, and increasing outbreaks of disease, including cholera, among the displaced. Disturbing accounts of sexual violence and killings by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been reported, with RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo acknowledging violations and claiming investigations are underway. Over 750 unaccompanied children are among the displaced, highlighting the vulnerability of the population amid ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and RSF. This conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in approximately 20,000 deaths and displaced over 15 million people, creating a severe humanitarian crisis that international mediation efforts have yet to resolve.