Key City in Sudan Captured by Paramilitary Group Following Prolonged Siege
Despite numerous attempts for peaceful resolution in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, there has been little success in quelling the intense conflict in Sudan. The military, in particular, has shown a strong resistance against a ceasefire. This ongoing issue has drawn less international attention compared to other global crises, a fact that has been deeply regretted by many experts.
"The situation seems to be influenced by racial factors," an expert stated in September 2024. Independent think-tanks have described the diplomatic attempts to cease the war as "insufficient", with global humanitarian organizations labeling the world's response as "severely lacking".
The Impact on Civilians
The conflict in Sudan has directly impacted the lives of civilians, with many sharing personal stories of horror and loss. One man, who lost contact with his family members in the city of el-Fasher, recounts, "We've seen our kin slaughtered." He reveals that they were gathered and killed after the city was captured. With communication completely disrupted in North Darfur State, he is left in the dark about the fate of his remaining family members. "We are deeply worried... We don’t know what we can possibly do," he said.
Reports of atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces have been raised by international bodies, but these allegations have been vehemently denied by the paramilitary group.
The Rapid Support Forces: Who Are They?
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was established in 2013, originating from the infamous Janjaweed militia accused of genocide and ethnic cleansing against non-Arab populations in Darfur. The group's leader, Gen Dagalo, has since built a formidable force that has intervened in conflicts in Yemen and Libya. He also controls some of Sudan's gold mines, allegedly smuggling the precious metal to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Accusations have been made against the UAE of backing the RSF and conducting drone strikes in Sudan. These allegations have been denied by the affluent Gulf state. The RSF is also suspected of receiving support from Gen Khalifa Haftar, a powerful figure from eastern Libya.
In June 2025, the RSF seized control of territory along Sudan's border with Libya and Egypt, marking a significant victory for the group. With the capture of el-Fasher, the RSF now dominates much of Darfur and the neighboring Kordofan region. This led to the formation of a rival government in July, sparking fears of a second split in Sudan, similar to the secession of South Sudan in 2011.
The Humanitarian Crisis
As the battle for el-Fasher rages on, the situation for families outside the city has become increasingly dire. Communication with loved ones within the city has been cut off, leaving them in a state of fear and uncertainty. "May God protect the city and all the surrounding towns," one resident says, adding that many people still inside the city have been "unreachable" since Monday.
Sudan's Civil War: A Brief Overview
The civil war in Sudan has wreaked havoc for two-and-a-half years, claiming the lives of at least 150,000 people, including many civilians, and displacing more than 14 million people. The conflict erupted in April 2023 after a fallout between the country's two top military figures over the future direction of the country.
The fighting began in the capital, Khartoum, but quickly spread across the country as the two sides battled for control. The military regained control of Khartoum in March of this year, but the conflict has not ceased. With the military's withdrawal from el-Fasher, the RSF now controls most of the western part of the country, raising fears of a potential split.
Sudan: A Brief Geography
Sudan is one of the largest countries in Africa, situated in the northeast region of the continent. It shares borders with seven countries and the Red Sea and is transected by the River Nile, making it strategically important for foreign powers. Its population is predominantly Muslim, and its official languages are Arabic and English. Despite being a gold-producing nation, Sudan remains one of the poorest countries in the world.
Signs of Mass Killings
Researchers in the US have discovered indications of mass killings following the RSF's capture of el-Fasher. Satellite imagery shows clusters of what appear to be human bodies near RSF vehicles and a wall that surrounds the city. The images also confirm that the RSF has captured all the army's positions. The pattern of violence appears to be ethnically targeted, raising concerns of potential crimes against humanity or even genocide.