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* Author: Shewit Woldemichael
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* https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/sudan/amid-push-sudan-peace-battle-el-fasher-intensifies
5.Article Title:
* Amid Push for Sudan Peace, Battle for El Fasher Intensifies
how might the strategic importance of el Fasher-as outlined in the text-influence the SAF and RSF’s willingness too compromise in peace negotiations?
Table of Contents
- 1. how might the strategic importance of el Fasher-as outlined in the text-influence the SAF and RSF’s willingness too compromise in peace negotiations?
- 2. Escalating Conflict in El Fasher Amid Sudan Peace Efforts Intensify
- 3. The Current Situation in El Fasher, North Darfur
- 4. The Breakdown of Ceasefires and Peace Initiatives
- 5. Obstacles to a Lasting peace
- 6. Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
- 7. The Strategic importance of El Fasher
- 8. The Role of Local Armed Groups
- 9. Examples
Escalating Conflict in El Fasher Amid Sudan Peace Efforts Intensify
The Current Situation in El Fasher, North Darfur
el Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, Sudan, is currently experiencing a dramatic escalation of violence despite ongoing, albeit faltering, peace negotiations aimed at resolving the broader Sudanese conflict. The city has become a focal point of intense fighting between the Sudanese Armed forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with devastating consequences for civilians. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in airstrikes,artillery fire,and ground clashes,leading to widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis. The conflict in El Fasher is not isolated; it’s intrinsically linked to the wider power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the SAF, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), commander of the RSF.
* Key Actors: SAF, RSF, and various local armed groups.
* Geographic Focus: Primarily within El Fasher city and surrounding areas in North Darfur.
* Humanitarian Impact: Mass displacement,food insecurity,and limited access to essential services.
The Breakdown of Ceasefires and Peace Initiatives
Numerous attempts to broker ceasefires in El Fasher have repeatedly failed. International mediation efforts, led by the African Union, IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Progress), and the United Nations, have yielded limited results. The primary obstacle remains the deep distrust between the SAF and RSF, coupled with their conflicting objectives.
The Jeddah talks, initially promising, stalled in late 2023, and subsequent attempts to revive them have been unsuccessful. Both sides accuse the other of violating agreed-upon terms and escalating the fighting. The RSF’s rapid advances in other parts of Sudan, particularly in the west, have heightened tensions and fueled the conflict in El Fasher. The SAF views maintaining control of El Fasher as strategically vital, while the RSF seeks to expand its influence in the Darfur region.
Obstacles to a Lasting peace
* Lack of Trust: Deep-seated animosity and a history of broken agreements between the SAF and RSF.
* External Interference: allegations of external support for both sides, prolonging the conflict.
* Fragmented opposition: The lack of a unified political opposition weakens the negotiating position of civilian groups.
* Regional dynamics: The conflict is intertwined with regional power struggles and geopolitical interests.
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
The escalating violence in El Fasher has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis. The city’s infrastructure is crumbling, hospitals are overwhelmed, and access to clean water, food, and medical supplies is severely restricted. The UN estimates that hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, seeking refuge in already overcrowded camps or fleeing to neighboring Chad.
the situation is particularly dire for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly. Reports of sexual violence and attacks on civilians are increasing, raising concerns about widespread human rights abuses. The ongoing conflict is exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and pushing the region towards a catastrophic humanitarian situation.
* Displacement Figures: Over 300,000 people displaced in North Darfur as of September 2025 (UNHCR data).
* Food Insecurity: Approximately 70% of the population in North Darfur is facing acute food insecurity (WFP report).
* Healthcare Access: Limited access to healthcare services due to damaged infrastructure and security concerns.
The Strategic importance of El Fasher
El Fasher holds significant strategic importance for several reasons:
- Regional Hub: It serves as a major transportation and commercial hub for North Darfur and surrounding regions.
- Military Base: The city hosts a significant SAF military base, making it a key stronghold for the army.
- Humanitarian Access Point: El Fasher is a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid destined for North Darfur.
- Symbolic Value: Control of El Fasher carries significant symbolic weight, representing dominance over the darfur region.
The RSF’s attempts to seize control of El Fasher are seen as a direct challenge to the SAF’s authority and a bid to consolidate its power in the west. The SAF is persistent to defend the city at all costs, leading to a protracted and bloody conflict.
The Role of Local Armed Groups
The conflict in El fasher is further elaborate by the involvement of various local armed groups, some of whom have aligned themselves with either the SAF or the RSF. These groups frequently enough have their own agendas and grievances, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The presence of these groups also raises concerns about the potential for ethnic violence, as ancient tensions and rivalries could be exploited. Addressing the root causes of these conflicts and ensuring the inclusion of local communities in any peace process is crucial for achieving a lasting resolution.
