What's happened
Since late October 2025, Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized El-Fasher after an 18-month siege, triggering mass displacement and atrocities. Over 80,000 fled to overcrowded camps like Tawila, facing dire shortages of food, water, and medical aid. Reports detail killings, sexual violence, and hospital attacks. The humanitarian crisis worsens amid ongoing conflict and limited safe passage for civilians.
What's behind the headline?
Humanitarian Catastrophe Unfolding
The fall of El-Fasher marks a grim milestone in Sudan's civil war, with the RSF consolidating control over a vast swath of Darfur. The siege and subsequent takeover have unleashed widespread atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and targeted attacks on hospitals, notably the Saudi Hospital where over 450 were reportedly killed.
Displacement and Survival Struggles
Despite tens of thousands fleeing, only a fraction reach aid camps like Tawila, highlighting the perilous escape routes and ongoing threats from armed checkpoints and RSF patrols. Many remain trapped, facing starvation and violence. The humanitarian response is overwhelmed, with severe shortages of food, water, shelter, and medical care, exacerbating malnutrition and trauma.
Geopolitical and Conflict Dynamics
The RSF's expansion into Kordofan aims to create buffer zones, intensifying clashes with the Sudanese army. Accusations of foreign backing, particularly from the UAE for the RSF and Egypt for the army, complicate peace efforts. The RSF's denial of abuses contrasts sharply with survivor testimonies and satellite evidence, underscoring challenges in accountability.
Forecast and Implications
Without a robust ceasefire and humanitarian access, the crisis will deepen, risking famine and further displacement. The international community faces pressure to enforce arms embargoes and mediate effectively. The conflict's trajectory threatens regional stability and prolongs civilian suffering, demanding urgent, coordinated action.
What the papers say
Reuters' Emma Farge highlights the dire conditions in El-Fasher and Tawila, noting that "people arrive so dehydrated they cannot talk" and that thousands remain trapped amid reports of mass killings and starvation. AP News details the RSF's brutal tactics, including drone strikes and house-to-house killings, with satellite images showing bodies and fires at key sites like the Saudi Hospital. The Independent and The New Arab provide harrowing survivor accounts and emphasize the scale of atrocities, with the WHO confirming over 450 deaths at the hospital alone. The New Arab also reports on RSF attacks on civilian infrastructure and the strategic battles in Kordofan, underscoring the conflict's expansion. Al Jazeera and the UN have condemned the violence as potentially genocidal, with calls for the RSF to be designated a terrorist organization. Contrastingly, the RSF denies involvement in killings, claiming to facilitate humanitarian aid, a stance widely disputed by aid groups and eyewitnesses. These sources collectively paint a picture of escalating violence, humanitarian collapse, and complex geopolitical entanglements in Sudan's ongoing civil war.
How we got here
Sudan's civil war began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), former allies turned rivals. The RSF besieged El-Fasher, Darfur's last army stronghold, for 18 months before capturing it in late October 2025. The conflict has killed over 40,000 and displaced millions, with Darfur and Kordofan regions as epicenters.
Go deeper
- What is the humanitarian situation in Tawila camps?
- How is the international community responding to the Sudan conflict?
- What are the implications of RSF control over Darfur and Kordofan?
Common question
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What’s Happening in El-Fasher? Why Is the Sudan Conflict Escalating?
The fighting in Sudan’s El-Fasher has intensified dramatically, raising urgent questions about what’s driving the violence and how it’s affecting civilians. With reports of mass killings, hospital attacks, and civilians fleeing on foot, many want to understand the current situation and its broader implications. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this crisis and what satellite imagery reveals about the ongoing conflict.
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What’s the Latest on Violence in Sudan?
Sudan is currently experiencing intense conflict, especially in regions like El-Fasher, where fighting has escalated dramatically. Civilians are fleeing on foot amid reports of mass killings, hospital attacks, and widespread violence. Satellite imagery confirms ongoing atrocities, raising urgent concerns about safety and humanitarian needs. If you're wondering what’s happening now, how it affects civilians, and what international responses are in place, this page provides the latest updates and answers to your key questions.
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What’s happening in Darfur? Key facts about the fall of El-Fasher and the humanitarian crisis
The recent capture of El-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces has plunged Darfur into chaos, raising urgent questions about the current situation on the ground. With reports of violence, mass killings, and a worsening humanitarian crisis, many are wondering what this means for civilians and the international community. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this developing crisis to help you understand the key facts and ongoing issues in Darfur.
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What’s the latest on the Darfur conflict and international aid efforts?
The situation in Darfur has escalated dramatically, with recent reports of the city of El-Fasher falling to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This has led to widespread violence, mass killings, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Many are asking: What is the current status of the conflict? How are aid organizations responding? And what can the international community do to help? Below, we answer these pressing questions and provide the latest updates on this ongoing crisis.
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What Is Happening in El-Fasher and Darfur Now?
The conflict in Sudan has escalated dramatically, especially in El-Fasher and Darfur. Since late October 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized El-Fasher after an 18-month siege, leading to widespread atrocities. Thousands of civilians are fleeing their homes, facing violence, shortages of essentials, and a humanitarian crisis. Many are asking: what exactly is happening on the ground, and what does it mean for Sudan and the world? Below, we answer some of the most pressing questions about this ongoing crisis.
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What’s Behind the Sudanese Humanitarian Crisis?
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with recent escalations causing widespread suffering. Many wonder what has caused this violence, how civilians are coping, and what international aid is available. In this page, we explore the key questions surrounding the crisis, including the recent military developments, the impact on civilians, and the prospects for peace. Stay informed about the latest developments and understand the complex factors fueling this tragedy.
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What’s Really Happening in Sudan and Gaza Right Now?
The ongoing crises in Sudan and Gaza are capturing global attention, with reports of violence, displacement, and human rights abuses. Many people are asking what’s happening on the ground, how civilians are affected, and what the international response is. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about these urgent humanitarian emergencies to help you understand the current situation.
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How Are Ongoing Conflicts in Sudan, Gaza, and Iraq Affecting Global Stability?
The conflicts in Sudan, Gaza, and Iraq are having far-reaching impacts beyond their borders. From humanitarian crises to geopolitical shifts, these ongoing wars are shaping the future of international stability. Curious about how these conflicts influence global politics, economies, and neighboring countries? Read on to find out more about the current situation and what might be expected in the coming months.
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What Aid Is Being Sent to Sudan and Gaza?
The ongoing crises in Sudan and Gaza have prompted urgent international responses. People are asking what kind of aid is being sent, how organizations are responding, and how they can help. Here’s a comprehensive look at the current humanitarian efforts and how you can get involved.
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What Are the Stories of Resilience and Hope Amidst Conflict?
In the midst of ongoing crises like the conflict in Sudan and the human rights abuses in Gaza and Iraq, inspiring stories of resilience and acts of bravery are emerging. People are showing incredible strength, rebuilding their lives, and demonstrating hope despite overwhelming adversity. Here, we explore some of these powerful stories and what lessons they offer for us all.
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What’s Happening in El-Fasher? Why Did Sudan’s City Fall to the RSF?
El-Fasher, the last stronghold in Darfur, recently fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), sparking a worsening humanitarian crisis. Many wonder why this happened, what it means for civilians, and how the international community is responding. Below, we answer the most common questions about this unfolding crisis and what it means for Sudan’s future.
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Is There a Link Between Sudan’s Conflict and Climate Issues?
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has captured global attention, but many wonder if climate change and resource scarcity are fueling the violence. Understanding the connection between environmental issues and civil unrest can shed light on the broader crisis. Below, we explore key questions about how climate impacts conflict zones like Sudan and what role climate action might play in stabilizing such regions.
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What Is the Current Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan?
Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis following recent military advances and escalating violence. Thousands of civilians are displaced, aid efforts are struggling, and reports of atrocities are widespread. If you're wondering about the latest developments, the impact on civilians, and how the international community is responding, this page provides clear answers to your most pressing questions.
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Can Climate Change Make Conflicts Like in Sudan Worse?
As the conflict in Sudan intensifies, questions arise about the role of climate change in fueling such crises. Could environmental factors be making conflicts more severe? What are the long-term impacts of ongoing violence and climate stress? Here, we explore how climate change and conflict are interconnected and what can be done to prevent future crises.
More on these topics
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The Rapid Support Forces are Sudanese paramilitary forces operated by the Sudanese Government. The RSF grew out of, and is primarily composed of, the Janjaweed militias which fought on behalf of the Sudanese government during the War in Darfur, killing an
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment
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Al-Fashir (also alternatively rendered as El Fasher; Arabic: الفاشر, romanized: al-Fāshir) is a city in western Sudan. It serves as the capital of the North Darfur State and is located in the Darfur region of Sudan, and is 195 kilometres (121 mi) n
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is an Ethiopian biologist, public health researcher, and official who has been Director-General of the World Health Organization since 2017. Tedros is the first African in the role, and was endorsed by the African Union. He play
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The Norwegian Refugee Council is a humanitarian, non-governmental organisation that protects the rights of people affected by displacement.
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David Wright Miliband is the president and chief executive officer of the International Rescue Committee and a former British Labour Party politician.
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The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a sovereign state in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing m
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Darfur is a region of western Sudan. Dār is an Arabic word meaning "home [of]" – the region was named Dardaju while ruled by the Daju, who migrated from Meroë c. 350 AD, and it was renamed Dartunjur when the Tunjur ruled the area.