The conflict in Sudan, now entering its third year, has created a humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur, a region already scarred by decades of violence. Even as international attention remains focused elsewhere, the situation for civilians in North Darfur, particularly around El Fasher, is rapidly deteriorating. Reports emerging from the region paint a grim picture of widespread displacement, detention and a near-total collapse of essential services, raising concerns of a renewed genocide.
Halima, a 35-year-old mother, embodies the desperation of countless Sudanese families. Forced to flee El Fasher in October 2025 after her husband was wounded and later died in hospital, she now lives in an abandoned school in Donke Shette with her children. Her journey, like that of so many others, was fraught with danger, including a three-day detention by armed men near the village of Gurni. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created a climate of fear and instability, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire and facing unimaginable hardship. The crisis in Darfur demands urgent international attention and a coordinated response to prevent further suffering.
Image Credit: Giles Clarke/OCHA/Avaaz
El Fasher Under Siege
The city of El Fasher, in North Darfur, has become a focal point of the conflict. The RSF, at war with Sudan’s regular army for nearly three years, currently maintains an “iron grip” on the city, allowing only a limited number of humanitarian organizations access, according to reports. These organizations describe El Fasher as a “ghost town,” highlighting the extent of the devastation and displacement. Thousands of people are estimated to have been detained following the RSF’s takeover in October, with a UN investigation finding evidence suggesting the events “bore the ‘hallmarks of genocide.’”
Horrors of Detention
Testimonies from former detainees reveal horrific abuses perpetrated by the RSF. Ibrahim Noureldin, 42, recounts being crammed into a sealed shipping container with other detainees, where people died from thirst and hunger. Those who succumbed were reportedly beaten and forced upon the survivors to bury the bodies. Detainees were also subjected to forced labor, carrying luggage, materials, and weapons for the RSF, and were brutally beaten with whips for any perceived slowness. The United Nations’ rights office and the London-based Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) have documented how the RSF has converted hospitals, schools, warehouses, and shipping containers into makeshift prisons. Five former detainees, speaking from fragile shelters in the town of Tawila, shared similar accounts of abuse and inhumane conditions.
A Growing Refugee Crisis
The violence and instability have triggered a massive displacement crisis. Tawila, a town west of El Fasher, has become overwhelmed with refugees, now sheltering hundreds of thousands of people. Halima’s story is just one example of the desperate plight of those seeking safety. Injured and malnourished survivors are arriving in Tawila, having endured harrowing journeys to escape the fighting. One infant, just 40 days old, arrived with her family, while her sister suffered a leg injury from shrapnel. Aid, though, remains “extremely limited” within RSF-controlled territory, leaving many without access to basic necessities.
Limited Humanitarian Access
The lack of humanitarian access is exacerbating the crisis. The RSF’s restrictions on aid deliveries are hindering efforts to provide food, water, medical care, and shelter to those in need. This situation is particularly dire for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and the injured. The international community must pressure the RSF to allow unfettered humanitarian access to all affected areas of Darfur.
The situation in Darfur is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for international action. As Halima hopes to continue west to Tawila, her journey represents the ongoing struggle for survival faced by countless Sudanese civilians. The world cannot afford to appear away from this unfolding tragedy.
What comes next for the people of Darfur remains uncertain, but continued advocacy and pressure on all parties involved are crucial to securing a ceasefire, ensuring humanitarian access, and preventing further atrocities. Share this story to raise awareness and demand action.
