RSF paramilitary forces take control of el-Fasher, Sudan | DW News

Key Concepts

• Al Fasher: A city in Darfur, Sudan, recently captured by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Rapid Support Forces (RSF): A paramilitary group fighting the Sudanese army.
• Sudanese Army: The official military force of Sudan.
• Darfur: A region in western Sudan experiencing ongoing conflict.
• Ethnic Cleansing: The systematic forced removal of ethnic, racial, or religious groups from a given area.
• War Crimes: Violations of the laws and customs of war.
• Humanitarian Access: The ability for aid organizations to reach populations in need.
• Safe Passage: The right of civilians to leave conflict zones without harm.
• Dehydration and Malnourishment: Severe lack of water and food, leading to critical health conditions.
• Trauma: Psychological distress resulting from exposure to violence or distressing events.
• Military Coup: The illegal seizure of power from a government by a military force.
• Integration of Forces: The process of merging different military or paramilitary groups into a single command structure.
• Geopolitical Space: The interplay of geography, politics, and international relations.
• Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting.
• Humanitarian Truce: A temporary halt in fighting specifically to allow for humanitarian aid.
• Civilian Transition: The process of moving from military rule to civilian governance.
• Motor Operandi: A distinctive method of procedure.
• De Facto Government: A government that exists in reality, even if not legally recognized.
• Native Administration: A form of local governance, often traditional.
• Arable Land: Land suitable for growing crops.
• Raw Materials: Natural resources used in manufacturing.
• Drones: Unmanned aerial vehicles.

Summary

The Fall of Al Fasher and Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur

The city of Al Fasher in Darfur, Sudan, has fallen to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army. This development has triggered grave concerns for the civilian population trapped within the city, with reports of the RSF executing individuals attempting to flee. International organizations are urgently calling for humanitarian access and safe passage for those seeking to escape the violence.

RSF Victory and Strategic Implications

The capture of Al Fasher, the last remaining stronghold of the Sudanese army in the Darfur region, is described as a strategic victory for the RSF. The Sudanese military has stated its withdrawal from the city was a measure to "spare the citizens and the rest of the city from destruction." As the RSF advanced, thousands of civilians attempted to flee, but reports from the UN Human Rights Office and the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, based on satellite imagery analysis, indicate widespread war crimes, including ethnic cleansing and executions of civilians.

The Plight of Displaced Civilians

Civilians who manage to escape combat zones often find themselves in dire conditions in makeshift camps. The UN describes the humanitarian situation as "terrifying." Reports indicate that individuals fleeing Al Fasher are frequently subjected to being held for ransom by militias controlling roads. Those who reach safety, such as in Tawila, are often dehydrated, malnourished, injured, and traumatized.

Historical Context of the Conflict

The armed conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army has complex origins. Initially, the army chief and RSF leaders were allies, participating in military coups against former Sudanese ruler Omar al-Bashir and again in the overthrow of a civilian government. The planned integration of RSF fighters into the army failed due to disagreements over leadership and command structure, ultimately leading to civil war.

International Involvement and Regional Ambitions

Several countries are indirectly involved in the conflict, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia supporting the Sudanese army, and the United Arab Emirates backing the RSF. These external actors are reportedly seeking influence and access to Sudan's raw materials. Analysts express concern that with the RSF now controlling Darfur, the region could potentially seek separation from Sudan.

Expert Analysis on RSF Actions and Future Intentions

Caitlyn Howorth, Director of Conflict Analytics at the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, highlights the dire situation for civilians in Al Fasher, stating that they "really have nowhere to go" and are being "shot down" as they attempt to escape. She describes the RSF's actions as consistent with a "genocidal campaign" and notes that the people of Al Fasher, including the Zagawa, Fur, and other indigenous groups, have been targets of increasing violence since the early 2000s. Howorth asserts that the RSF's agenda is to "empty out" the city of anyone they consider "unwanted," a pattern observed in previous atrocities in El Geneina and Zam Zam. She emphasizes that this is not an anomaly but the "rule" and part of their "core mission for taking over this territory."

Regarding the RSF's ambitions, Howorth suggests that their aspirations may extend beyond Darfur due to the region's rich resources, including gold, arable land, and critical industrial components like gum arabic. She notes the RSF's demonstrated ambition to move towards Khartoum and other cities, and their access to advanced weaponry, including drones, which they have used to project power.

Sudan analyst Albashir Idris confirms that the RSF has taken control of Al Fasher, with approximately 2,000 families (around 4,000-5,000 civilians) fleeing to Tawila, a makeshift community hub 50 kilometers away. He reports that those unable to escape have been "killed," with the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab's satellite imagery confirming door-to-door cleansing and massacres. Idris believes initial death toll estimates of 2,000 are a "gross underrepresentation." He views the fall of Al Fasher as a breaking point for both civilian concerns and Sudan's geopolitical strategy, occurring concurrently with Washington D.C. negotiations for a ceasefire. Idris warns that the RSF's "motor operandi" upon entering new settlements is the "killing of innocent civilians," a pattern they brazenly document and share online. He suggests a plan to create a "split within Sudan" and establish a "new Sudan," with a de facto government already formed by RSF commanders and allied militias. However, he questions their capacity to govern, noting their focus on attacking civilians and perpetrating ethnic cleansing.

Doctors Without Borders' Observations and Appeals

John Riyaga from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) describes a "massive influx of people" fleeing Al Fasher into Tawila, where MSF has a facility. In the two nights of May 26th and 27th, over 1,000 people arrived, many severely ill. MSF has treated approximately 300 people at their health post, with 130 requiring emergency surgery. Over the past week, about 1,300 people have fled Al Fasher, with 75% being children, and 26% of those exhibiting severe malnourishment. MSF has not had access to Al Fasher for months due to security concerns. Riyaga states that the sheer number of patients arriving in Tawila is an "indication of the dire situation that is in Al Fasher," and appeals for these individuals to be allowed to reach safety. He urges international players to "get their heads together" to address the crisis in Sudan and calls for unimpeded humanitarian access for medical services.

Conclusion and Takeaways

The fall of Al Fasher to the RSF represents a critical escalation in the Sudanese conflict, characterized by widespread reports of atrocities, ethnic cleansing, and a severe humanitarian crisis. The RSF's actions suggest a deliberate strategy of displacement and violence, with potential long-term implications for the territorial integrity of Sudan. International actors are urged to prioritize humanitarian access, ensure safe passage for civilians, and work towards a comprehensive resolution to the conflict. The situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated political and humanitarian efforts to alleviate suffering and prevent further atrocities.