Sudan’s military has withdrawn from the strategic city of el-Fasher, ceding control to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces after an 18-month siege, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s devastating civil war that risks exacerbating humanitarian crises and shifting the conflict’s balance.
In a televised address, Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan confirmed the retreat, stating he approved the withdrawal to protect civilians from systematic destruction and killing. He emphasized that the decision was made in consultation with local leaders to safeguard remaining citizens and prevent further urban devastation. This move ends the army’s last foothold in the vast western region of Darfur, where el-Fasher had served as a critical stronghold since the war erupted in April 2023.
The RSF promptly declared control over el-Fasher, consolidating its parallel administration and now holding all five state capitals in Darfur. However, the paramilitary group has denied accusations of committing atrocities against civilians, even as international reports detail widespread violence and ethnically motivated attacks. The fall of the city follows intense fighting and a prolonged siege that cut off essential supplies, leaving residents trapped in dire conditions.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the situation, condemning reported violations of international humanitarian law and calling for immediate safe passage for civilians. He highlighted that the 18-month siege has made el-Fasher an epicenter of suffering, with malnutrition, disease, and violence claiming lives daily. The UN Human Rights Office warned of increasing large-scale, ethnically motivated atrocities and urged influential states to act swiftly to prevent further abuses.
Humanitarian agencies report that the siege has caused severe food shortages, displacing thousands and overwhelming already strained aid efforts. Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing escapes through so-called safe corridors, where civilians faced extortion, violence, and humiliation at RSF checkpoints. Many were forced to pay ransoms or endure racial slurs, illustrating the perilous conditions for those fleeing the conflict.
El-Fasher’s capture signals a significant strategic shift, potentially allowing the RSF to strengthen its grip on Darfur and challenge the army’s authority more broadly. This development could deepen the fragmentation of Sudan, complicating peace efforts and international mediation. General Burhan denounced international inaction in his speech, vowing to continue fighting until the land is purified from what he called traitors, indicating that the conflict is far from over.
The war has already killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 12 million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. Looking ahead, the international community faces pressure to intensify diplomacy and humanitarian aid to prevent further escalation and address the root causes of the conflict. The loss of el-Fasher may prompt renewed efforts for ceasefires or negotiations, but ongoing violence and political divisions suggest a challenging path to stability in Sudan.