More than 100 people have been killed and over 900 injured in just over two weeks of fierce fighting in Sudan’s North Darfur province, according to Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). The ongoing conflict in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Since May 10, at least 134 people have died, including a staff watchman at MSF’s pharmacy who succumbed to his injuries after shelling struck his house. The fighting in el-Fasher has intensified as the RSF seeks to capture the city, the last remaining provincial capital in Darfur not under their control. The RSF has besieged the city, launching major attacks on its southern and eastern parts.
El-Fasher hosts the region’s last SAF garrison, making it a strategic target for the RSF. In response to the RSF’s advance, former Darfur rebel leaders Minni Minnawi and Jibril Ibrahim, who had maintained neutrality, sided with the SAF last November. This development marks a significant shift in the conflict dynamics.
The RSF, which evolved from the notorious “Janjaweed” militia, has a dark history of violence in Darfur, including ethnic cleansing and genocide that began in 2003. These historical grievances have resurfaced, adding an inter-ethnic dimension to the current conflict.
Minnawi expressed his frustration on social media, condemning the international community’s silence. He likened the situation in el-Fasher to a scene from a fictional action movie, executed by those responsible for the atrocities of 2003.
The broader conflict in Sudan erupted in April last year, stemming from a power struggle between SAF General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti”. Initially concentrated around the capital Khartoum, the fighting soon spread to other regions, including Darfur, exacerbating existing ethnic tensions.
According to United Nations estimates, more than a year of war has resulted in 14,000 deaths and displaced about nine million people, pushing many to the brink of famine. The World Food Programme reports that nearly five million people in Sudan are on the verge of starvation.
The fall of el-Fasher would significantly worsen the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Alex de Waal, executive director of the World Peace Foundation, highlighted the severity of the situation, describing Sudan as the world’s largest famine, with Darfur being the epicenter. The RSF’s actions have exacerbated the region’s suffering, leading to widespread starvation and further humanitarian disasters.
The conflict in Darfur reflects deep-seated issues and rivalries that date back to the early 2000s. Despite a peace deal in 2020, the region remains volatile, with renewed violence highlighting the fragility of the situation.
The international community’s response to the crisis has been criticized for its inadequacy. Observers and humanitarian organizations urge immediate action to protect civilians and address the escalating violence. The United Nations and other international bodies must increase their efforts to mediate peace and provide much-needed aid to those affected.
The situation in Sudan is dire, with millions displaced and at risk of famine. The conflict in Darfur, particularly in el-Fasher, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting resolution. The international community’s role is crucial in supporting peace efforts and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.
In conclusion, the escalating violence in Sudan’s Darfur region has resulted in significant casualties and a worsening humanitarian situation. The power struggle between the SAF and RSF, coupled with historical ethnic tensions, continues to devastate the region. Immediate international intervention is necessary to protect civilians, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and work towards a sustainable peace in Sudan.
