Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces claim capture of El-Fasher | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
• El Faser (Al Fashir)
• Darur Region (Darfur)
• Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
• Siege as a weapon
• Sexual violence as a weapon

Capture of El Faser and its Significance

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have announced the capture of El Faser, a key city in the Darur region of Sudan. El Faser was the last government stronghold in the area and had been under siege by the RSF for 18 months. Videos circulating appear to show RSF fighters celebrating their victory. This capture is considered a potential turning point in the ongoing war, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.

Impact on Civilian Population in North Darur

Journalist Naba Mohidin, reporting from Khartoum, detailed the severe impact of the fighting on the civilian population in North Darur, particularly in El Faser. She stated that civilian populations are the primary victims of the war, not only in El Faser but across all regions controlled by the RSF and those experiencing fierce clashes. The population is bearing the highest cost.

Humanitarian Crisis in El Faser

In El Faser specifically, the situation is dire. The city hosts nearly one million people, many of whom are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) since the war in 2003. These individuals consider El Faser their homeland. The city has been under a brutal siege by RSF forces for the past 18 months, leading to widespread starvation.

Use of Siege and Sexual Violence as Weapons

According to international reports from UN agencies, international blocs, and the broader international community, starvation has been deliberately used as a weapon during the siege of El Faser. Furthermore, sexual violence has also been employed as a weapon. These brutal tactics have led to immense suffering for the population enduring the siege and the brutality of the RSF.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The capture of El Faser by the RSF represents a significant development in the Sudanese conflict, potentially shifting the balance of power. The city's fall exacerbates an already critical humanitarian crisis, with nearly a million people, many of them IDPs, facing starvation and the devastating consequences of siege warfare and sexual violence, which are being used as deliberate tactics by the RSF. The international community's reports highlight the severity of these human rights abuses.