The United Nations humanitarian officials issued a grave warning on Friday, stating that essential supplies for survival in El Fasher, a town overtaken by paramilitary forces in October, have been “entirely destroyed.” Ross Smith, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, described the situation as “beyond horrific.” Estimates suggest that between 70,000 and 100,000 people may still be trapped within the city.
The Rapid Support Forces, engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023, captured El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, following a protracted 500-day siege. This dire situation has forced residents to resort to consuming peanut shells and animal feed, as noted by the UN human rights office, while satellite imagery has revealed evidence of mass civilian killings and ethnic-based executions.
In a separate incident, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern on Friday regarding reports of a drone strike in South Darfur State that resulted in at least 30 civilian fatalities and numerous injuries. He condemned all assaults on civilians and urged all parties to adhere to their responsibilities under international law, as conveyed by UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq. Mr. Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities and the resumption of peace talks, urging nations with influence over the combatants to facilitate a ceasefire and prevent arms transfers.
Humanitarian organizations emphasize the critical need to secure access for aid teams, especially as communication with those still in El Fasher has been severely disrupted by power outages. Survivors have described the city as a scene of mass violence, with accounts of burned bodies and deserted markets. Mr. Smith highlighted the urgent necessity for unrestricted access to El Fasher to assist those still trapped there. He indicated that an agreement in principle has been reached with the Rapid Support Forces regarding minimal conditions for entering the city, allowing for initial assessments and reconnaissance soon. “After enduring over a year and a half under siege, the essentials for survival have been entirely obliterated,” he stated.
Mr. Smith also pointed out that individuals fleeing El Fasher have faced perilous journeys along roads “strewn with mines” and unexploded devices. Many have found refuge in Tawila, which has transformed from a small desert town into a vast displacement camp housing more than 650,000 people, comparable in size to Luxembourg. Others have sought safety in Ad Dabbah, located in Northern State. As UN aid teams strive to reach those in need, WFP-supported convoys are currently en route to Tawila, carrying supplies for 700,000 people for the upcoming month. “These families have suffered from prolonged famine and mass atrocities and are now living in overcrowded conditions with minimal support,” Mr. Smith noted. The lack of adequate shelter has forced many to reside in makeshift structures made of grass and straw, leading to widespread cholera and disease outbreaks.
The situation in Sudan represents the largest displacement crisis globally, with over 12 million individuals displaced both internally and externally. Additionally, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported on Friday that the security situation in the neighboring Kordofan region has further deteriorated since December 1. Following a week of intense fighting, the RSF reportedly gained control of a Sudanese Armed Forces base in Babanusa, West Kordofan. In South Kordofan, civilians remain trapped in besieged towns like Kadugli and Dilling. As women, children, and the elderly seek escape, men and youth are often left behind due to the specific risks they face, including detention by armed groups for perceived affiliations with conflicting parties, according to UNHCR. The latest reports indicate that over 40,000 individuals have been displaced from North Kordofan since November 18. “UNHCR, along with ground partners, is addressing the urgent needs of the displaced, but access remains difficult and resources are critically low,” the agency stated.
