A powerful paramilitary group has encircled El Fasher, the last remaining obstacle to domination of the sprawling Darfur region, raising alarm about mass killings if the city is taken.
Fears of renewed ethnic slaughter in the Sudanese region of Darfur have increased, particularly with the looming assault on the city of El Fasher, which is already facing a threat of famine. The U.S. envoy to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, warned of a potential large-scale massacre in the city. The civil war between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces has caused widespread devastation in the region, creating a massive humanitarian crisis.
The role of foreign powers in fueling the conflict, especially the United Arab Emirates, has come under scrutiny. The Rapid Support Forces have surrounded El Fasher in preparation for an imminent assault, aiming to gain control of the city and solidify their hold over the region. The potential shift in the course of the war poses a significant threat, raising concerns of a split in Sudan similar to what occurred in Libya in 2011.
Recent skirmishes and bombings on the edge of El Fasher have resulted in the deaths of at least 43 people, including women and children, with residents fearing more violence to come. The city, which has a large population of 1.8 million, is the last stronghold of the Sudanese military in Darfur. International pressure is being applied to both sides in an effort to prevent further bloodshed and avert a humanitarian catastrophe.
The conflict in Sudan has escalated rapidly over the past year, drawing in various ethnic, religious, and rebel groups, as well as foreign sponsors. The involvement of countries like Russia, which has supplied weapons to the Rapid Support Forces, indicates the complexity of the conflict. Ethnic violence has been widespread in Darfur, with tens of thousands of civilians killed in recent assaults on cities like El Geneina.
The situation in El Fasher remains precarious, with a local truce between the Rapid Support Forces and other armed groups falling apart. The starving population in camps near the city is caught in the crossfire, as both sides obstruct food aid deliveries. Children are suffering from severe malnutrition, and the situation is described as catastrophic by aid organizations. Residents of El Fasher are living in fear as violence escalates, hoping to avoid the fate that befell other cities in the region.
As tensions rise in Darfur and the threat of violence looms over El Fasher, international efforts to broker a ceasefire and provide humanitarian assistance are crucial. The United Nations Security Council has discussed the crisis, and appeals have been made to countries like the United Arab Emirates to halt support for warring parties in Sudan. The situation in Darfur is a stark reminder of the urgent need for diplomatic intervention and humanitarian aid to prevent further bloodshed and alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.
