Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have announced that it had captured the western city of El-Fasher, marking a major turning point in the country’s civil war.
The group claimed to have captured the city from army-aligned militias. This would be a huge blow to the Sudanese army, since El-Fasher is its last remaining foothold in the Darfur region, leaving the RSF in control. The army has not yet responded to the claim. The city of El-Fasher had been under siege for 18 months, surrounded by endless bombardment, hunger, and disease.
Despite repeated international appeals, the two sides have refused to cooperate on a ceasefire, despite being accused of committing atrocities. UN Relief Chief Tom Fletcher called for an immediate ceasefire as humanitarian access has become “impossible.”
