What's happened
The Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces seized control of El Fasher, Darfur's capital, amid intense fighting, widespread violence, and a humanitarian crisis. Survivors report mass killings, sexual violence, and severe shortages of food and medical aid. The city remains largely inaccessible, with thousands feared dead or detained.
What's behind the headline?
The fall of El Fasher marks a significant escalation in the Darfur conflict, consolidating RSF control over the region. The reports of mass killings, sexual violence, and the destruction of infrastructure highlight the severity of the humanitarian crisis. The rejection of a proposed ceasefire by the Sudanese army suggests a continued cycle of violence, with civilians bearing the brunt. Satellite imagery and survivor testimonies confirm the scale of atrocities, including mass graves and deserted streets. This event will likely deepen regional instability, prolong displacement, and hinder international efforts for peace. The international community's response remains critical, but access to affected areas is severely limited, complicating aid delivery and accountability.
What the papers say
All Africa reports detailed accounts from survivors and aid workers, emphasizing the scale of violence and ongoing atrocities. The New York Times highlights the RSF's brutal tactics, including executions and sexual violence, with verified footage of atrocities. AFP's satellite analysis corroborates reports of mass graves and deserted streets, illustrating the city's devastation. These sources collectively underscore the severity of the crisis and the challenges in documenting the full extent of the violence, with some reports suggesting the death toll could reach 60,000 and many more still unaccounted for. The contrasting perspectives from aid agencies and media outlets reveal a grim picture of a city under siege, with little hope for immediate relief.
How we got here
Since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan in April 2023, fighting has escalated between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). El Fasher, a strategic city in Darfur, was the last major stronghold not under RSF control until October 26, 2025, when the RSF launched a brutal offensive. The conflict has roots in longstanding ethnic tensions, regional rivalries, and the collapse of previous peace agreements, leading to widespread displacement, famine, and human rights abuses across Sudan.
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Common question
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What’s happening in El Fasher and Darfur now?
The situation in Darfur, especially in El Fasher, has escalated dramatically with recent violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized control of key areas, leading to widespread destruction, mass casualties, and severe shortages of food and medical supplies. Many civilians are trapped in unsafe conditions, and the full extent of the violence remains difficult to verify. Below, we answer some of the most pressing questions about this ongoing crisis and what it means for the people of Darfur.
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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 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