The Calm Before the Storm: El Fasher's Descent into War
El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, was once a safe haven for refugees fleeing the violence and atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in other parts of the region. However, this relative peace was short-lived, and El Fasher soon became engulfed in the year-long war between Sudan's army and the RSF. In this section, we will explore the events leading up to the battle for El Fasher, the impact of the conflict on its residents, and the efforts made to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
A City Under Siege: The Human Cost of War
The battle for El Fasher began in earnest in April 2024, but the city had been bracing for conflict as it was the Sudanese Army's final foothold in Darfur, the only region that the RSF had not captured. The RSF, comprised mainly of troops from Darfuri Arab communities, sought to defeat the Sudanese Army and various rebel groups, including the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). The rebel fighters were mostly non-Arab Zaghawa, one of the main population groups in El Fasher.
As the fighting intensified, artillery shells tore through displacement camps and residential homes, and food and medical supplies began to run out. The city's only working hospital struggled with dwindling supplies, and its water network was compromised. The mutual aid groups, comprised of local youth, worked tirelessly to construct a medical clinic for children and set up kitchens to feed the displaced, putting their lives at risk.
The siege imposed by the RSF made escaping El Fasher extremely difficult and dangerous. Those who attempted to flee had to pass through RSF checkpoints, where they were charged fees, had their possessions confiscated, and were interrogated about their affiliations. The situation was particularly critical in the Abu Shouk displacement camp, which housed victims of the Darfur conflict in the 2000s. RSF shells landed on civilian houses, killing and injuring many, and leaving dozens of bodies on the streets.
The intensification of the conflict led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with basic necessities like food, water, and medicine becoming scarce and unaffordable. The prices of goods skyrocketed, and the city's markets struggled to operate due to the ongoing violence. The lack of access to food put hundreds of thousands of people at risk of hunger and disease, with some areas on the brink of famine.
A Perfect Storm: The Factors Leading to War
The battle for El Fasher was not an isolated incident but the culmination of various political, social, and military factors. Here, we will explore the key factors that contributed to the outbreak of war in the city.
Political tensions and power struggles played a significant role in the buildup to the conflict. Following the Sudanese Revolution, Nimir Mohammed Abdelrahman was appointed governor, while Mohammed Hassan Arabi was dismissed. In Khartoum, the capital, many Janjaweed militiamen enlisted in the RSF, led by Hemedti and affiliated with the Sudanese Army. In 2021, civilian-administration leader Abdalla Hamdok was overthrown by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, a transitional military leader, with the support of the RSF. Tensions between Hemedti and Burhan escalated over the integration of the RSF into the Sudanese Army, leading to clashes in April 2023.
The presence of various rebel groups, including the JEM and SPLM, further complicated the situation. These groups had initially tried to remain neutral, but as the RSF committed atrocities and gained military advantage, the rebels felt they needed to take sides. Additionally, the Sudanese Army and the rebel groups began large-scale recruitment efforts in El Fasher, welcoming soldiers who had been ousted by the RSF from other parts of Darfur.
The city's significance as the last stronghold of the internationally recognized government in Darfur and the presence of other armed groups allied with the government also made it a crucial target for the RSF. The RSF leaders felt that capturing El Fasher was necessary for their legitimacy, as Darfur is their home base and stronghold.
Furthermore, the internationalization of the conflict, with other countries becoming engaged and supporting one side or the other, complicated mediation efforts. The involvement of multiple international actors made the war harder to mediate and resolve.
A Ray of Hope: Ceasefire Efforts and Humanitarian Aid
Despite the dire situation, there were glimmers of hope in the form of ceasefire efforts and humanitarian aid initiatives. Local community leaders and public figures in El Fasher worked alongside a dovish local governor to lobby RSF and army leaders to maintain designated areas and avoid fighting. Additionally, the UN and humanitarian organizations worked to provide aid and facilitate humanitarian access.
A ceasefire was brokered by the civilian Good Offices Committee in April 2023, with the SAF and RSF agreeing to hold their positions on opposite sides of the city, while the center was demilitarized and patrolled by police. This truce provided a brief period of calm, allowing civilian life to return to a semblance of normalcy, despite the scarcity of goods and soaring inflation.
However, the ceasefire eventually fell apart, and sporadic clashes resumed in May 2023. The RSF launched attacks on several neighborhoods, and the city once again became engulfed in violence, with looting and extrajudicial killings taking place.
The UN and humanitarian organizations faced significant challenges in delivering aid to El Fasher due to the ongoing conflict and obstructions at multiple levels. Toby Harward, the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, described the humanitarian situation as catastrophic, with arbitrary killings, theft of livestock, systematic burning of villages, escalating air bombardments, and a tightening siege.
The UN and partners recognized the urgency to scale up their activities, but a calm and conducive environment was necessary for an effective response. The UN had to evacuate its international staff from Darfur after the war broke out, and local Sudanese staff faced difficult circumstances in implementing programs.
Despite these challenges, there were some successes. Toby Harward, on a mission to El Fasher, was able to resolve blockages along critical aid routes, and trucks loaded with humanitarian aid were able to deliver their supplies. Additionally, broader tensions between the parties during the Eid Al Fitr period forced the UN and some humanitarian partners to leave the city temporarily, but there is hope that they will be able to
The Battle for El Fasher: A Human Cost Too High
The war in El Fasher has resulted in devastating consequences for its residents, with a heavy toll on human life and well-being. The conflict has caused mass displacement, food and water shortages, and a dire humanitarian crisis. Here, we will delve into the impact of the war on the people of El Fasher and the efforts made to alleviate their suffering.
The Human Toll: Loss of Life and Displacement
The battle for El Fasher has resulted in a significant loss of human life, with hundreds killed and thousands injured. The exact death toll is difficult to ascertain due to the ongoing nature of the conflict, but estimates range from several dozen to over a hundred. The injured are treated in hospitals that are struggling to cope with the influx, and many are dying from their wounds due to limited medical supplies and surgical capacity.
The displacement caused by the war has been immense, with tens of thousands of people fleeing El Fasher and seeking refuge in neighboring Chad or other parts of Sudan. Those who remain in the city face a dire situation, with limited access to food, water, and medical care. The siege imposed by the RSF makes escaping extremely dangerous, with checkpoints where people are interrogated, extorted, and even killed.
The situation is particularly critical in the Abu Shouk displacement camp, which houses victims of the previous Darfur conflict in the 2000s. This camp has been subjected to shelling and attacks by the RSF, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. The lack of adequate medical facilities in the camp further exacerbates the suffering, with reports of people dying due to the lack of surgical capacity and ambulance services.
The UN has warned of the risk of genocide and ethnic targeting in El Fasher, with the potential for mass atrocities as the conflict intensifies. The city's residents, already traumatized by the war, live in constant fear of losing their lives, their homes, and their loved ones.
A City in Crisis: Food, Water, and Humanitarian Aid
The war in El Fasher has severely disrupted access to basic necessities, with food, water, and medical supplies running dangerously low. The city's markets struggle to operate due to the violence, and the prices of goods have skyrocketed, making them unaffordable for many. This has led to a hunger crisis, with large numbers of people at risk of starvation and disease.
The lack of clean water is another pressing issue, with reports of entire neighborhoods having no access to drinkable water. This not only affects personal hygiene and sanitation but also impacts the ability to cook and meet basic needs. The situation is further exacerbated by the hot climate, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
The UN and humanitarian organizations have faced significant challenges in delivering aid to El Fasher due to the ongoing conflict and obstructions by the warring parties. Toby Harward, the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, described the situation as "catastrophic," with arbitrary killings, theft of livestock, systematic burning of villages, air bombardments, and a tightening siege.
Despite these challenges, there have been some successes in delivering humanitarian aid. The UN and partners have recognized the urgency of scaling up their activities and are working to facilitate aid access and provide much-needed relief to the people of El Fasher. However, they emphasize the need for a calm and conducive environment to effectively respond to the crisis.
The war in El Fasher has also had a severe impact on the city's economy, with businesses and markets struggling to operate. This has resulted in job losses and further contributed to the financial hardship faced by the residents.
Hope Amidst the Chaos: Local Heroes and Resilience
Amid the devastation and loss, there are stories of hope and resilience. Local youth groups and emergency response teams have emerged as heroes, risking their lives to provide aid and support to those in need. They have constructed medical clinics, set up kitchens to feed the displaced, and distributed food and supplies amid gunfire and bombings. Their dedication and selflessness have been a lifeline for many, and their efforts provide a glimmer of light in the darkness of war.
Community leaders and public figures in El Fasher have also played a crucial role in lobbying for peace and trying to prevent further bloodshed. They worked tirelessly to maintain a ceasefire and pleaded with military authorities to prioritize the well-being of the city's residents. Their efforts, though ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the escalation of the conflict, showcase the power of community mobilization and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Additionally, the UN and humanitarian organizations have not given up on El Fasher. Despite facing challenges and having to evacuate international staff, they continue to advocate for access and work to facilitate the delivery of aid. Their commitment to helping those in need is a testament to human resilience and our shared capacity for compassion.
Looking Ahead: Preventing Further Atrocities
As the war in El Fasher rages on, the focus must be on preventing further atrocities and protecting the city's residents. The UN and humanitarian organizations must continue their efforts to provide aid and work towards a lasting ceasefire. The international community must also increase its support, both financially and diplomatically, to bring an end to the conflict and hold accountable those responsible for the suffering of innocent civilians.
The people of El Fasher have endured unimaginable horrors, and their resilience and strength must be commended. As the world bears witness to their suffering, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that their voices are heard, their losses are recognized, and their future is one of peace and recovery.
Additional Context: Understanding the War in El Fasher
The war in El Fasher is part of a larger conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023. This conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, millions of displaced people, and a looming famine. El Fasher, as the