What's happened
The UN visited el-Fasher, Sudan, after the city fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following an 18-month siege. The city remains largely destroyed, with civilians living in dire conditions amid ongoing violence, mass graves, and severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The UN's initial assessment highlights a humanitarian crisis with hundreds of residents still trapped and suffering.
What's behind the headline?
The fall of El-Fasher marks a significant escalation in Sudan's ongoing conflict, consolidating RSF control over Darfur and expanding their reach into other regions. The UN's limited access underscores the severity of the humanitarian crisis, with reports of mass graves, widespread destruction, and civilians living in unsafe conditions. The city’s destruction and the reported atrocities suggest a deliberate attempt to erase evidence of violence, complicating accountability efforts. The conflict's ethnic and regional dimensions deepen the crisis, with the RSF's brutal tactics likely to prolong instability. The international community's response remains inadequate, with funding cuts hampering aid efforts. The situation in El-Fasher will likely worsen unless a ceasefire is negotiated, and humanitarian access is expanded. The ongoing violence risks further displacement, famine, and potential war crimes, making this a critical flashpoint in Sudan’s broader civil war. The next steps should include increased diplomatic pressure and humanitarian intervention to prevent further atrocities and stabilize the region.
What the papers say
The articles from The New Arab, AP News, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and the New York Times collectively depict a city devastated by conflict, with mass killings, mass graves, and severe humanitarian suffering. While all sources agree on the scale of destruction and atrocities, some emphasize the ongoing violence and displacement, such as AP News and Reuters, highlighting the difficulty of aid access and the scale of civilian casualties. The New York Times provides a detailed account of the violence, including specific incidents of mass executions and sexual violence, emphasizing the brutality of RSF tactics. The UN reports from The New Arab and Al Jazeera focus on the limited access and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, stressing the destruction of infrastructure and the dire conditions faced by survivors. The consensus across sources underscores the severity of the crisis, though some differ in their focus—whether on the violence, the humanitarian response, or the broader regional implications.
How we got here
El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, was the last stronghold of the Sudanese military in the region before falling to the RSF in October after an 18-month siege. The conflict, rooted in a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, has led to widespread atrocities, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. Satellite imagery and survivor testimonies reveal mass graves, destruction, and ongoing violence, with the city now largely abandoned and in ruins. The conflict has escalated into a broader civil war affecting multiple regions, with international efforts calling for ceasefires and peace negotiations.
Go deeper
Common question
-
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.
-
Why is the conflict in Darfur worsening in 2025?
The fighting in Darfur has escalated significantly in 2025, driven by strategic territorial gains and ongoing violence. Many wonder what’s behind this surge and what it means for civilians. Below, we explore the key questions about the current crisis, including who controls key areas, the humanitarian impact, and international responses.
-
Are UK and US Housing Markets Cooling Down in 2026?
With signs of slowing growth and falling mortgage rates, many are wondering if the UK and US housing markets are cooling in 2026. This page explores the latest trends, regional differences, and what it means for buyers and investors. Curious about affordability, regional shifts, or future outlooks? Keep reading for answers to your top questions.
-
What’s Happening in Darfur’s El-Fasher Now?
El-Fasher, once a key city in Darfur, has recently fallen to RSF forces after an 18-month siege. This has led to widespread destruction, mass displacement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Many are asking what caused this fall, what the current situation is like, and what it means for the region. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this ongoing conflict and its broader implications.
-
How Will Housing and Political Events Shape 2026?
As we approach 2026, many are wondering how recent housing market shifts and political upheavals will influence the year ahead. From changes in mortgage rates to ongoing conflicts in regions like Darfur, these events could have significant impacts on economies, public policy, and global stability. Below, we explore the key questions about what to expect in 2026 and how these developments might affect your life and investments.
-
What Led to the Fall of El-Fasher in Darfur?
The fall of El-Fasher marks a significant turning point in the ongoing Darfur conflict. After an 18-month siege, the city was overtaken by the RSF, leading to widespread destruction, atrocities, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Many wonder what caused this dramatic event and what it means for the region's future. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this critical development and its broader implications.
-
What is the current situation in El-Fasher, Sudan?
El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has fallen under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after an 18-month siege. The city is now largely destroyed, with civilians facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies amid ongoing violence. This devastating situation raises urgent questions about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan and what can be done to help those trapped in the conflict zone.
More on these topics
-
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
-
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
-
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.