After enduring a grueling siege lasting over a year and a half, the inhabitants of Al-Fashir, located in the North Darfur region of Sudan, have been plunged into an unprecedented wave of violence. This escalation followed the reported takeover of the city by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on October 26th.
In the days following, harrowing accounts emerged detailing the alleged abuses suffered by civilians in the city, a place known for its diverse population within Darfur. These narratives have evoked memories of the ethnic violence that plagued the region two decades ago. However, this time, the violence is reportedly characterized by more brutal tactics and greater documentation than previously available.
As survivor testimonies poured in and the United Nations voiced concerns about alleged massacres and sexual violence, Al-Fashir has become what some are calling a ‘crime scene,’ drawing significant international attention. The city now represents a critical test of the global community’s responsibility towards civilians caught in the midst of the Sudanese conflict, which has raged since April 2023.
Al-Fashir’s prominence on the international stage stems from its status as the last major city in Darfur outside of RSF control. Its reported fall in late October signified a potential completion of RSF control over urban centers in the region, drastically altering the landscape of the war in western Sudan. However, the manner in which the city was allegedly seized, and the subsequent reports of widespread abuses against civilians, have been crucial factors.
Accounts of alleged summary executions, sexual violence, looting, kidnappings, and targeting of aid workers, coupled with near-total communication blackouts, have transformed the situation in Al-Fashir from a military development into an international humanitarian and human rights crisis. The matter is now reportedly under consideration by the Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court.
Furthermore, the city has been under a severe siege since 2024, leading to dwindling supplies of food and medicine and repeated warnings from the UN about potential famine. The reported fall of Al-Fashir, accompanied by the alleged targeting of starving and besieged civilians, has prompted the United Nations to characterize the situation as a ‘crime scene’ demanding immediate international action, rather than simply a military milestone in a protracted war. The situation remains volatile, and DZWatch will continue to provide updates as they become available.
