Sudan's army withdraws from el-Fasher, RSF declares control after 18-month siege

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Sudan's army has withdrawn from el-Fasher, its final stronghold in the Darfur region, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declaring control of the city. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan's military chief, confirmed the withdrawal, citing the protection of civilians and the city from further destruction. The fall of el-Fasher follows an 18-month siege and marks a significant shift in Sudan's civil war, which began in April 2023. The UN has raised alarms regarding reported atrocities and calls for civilian protection.

Military Developments

  • Sudan's army has completed its withdrawal from el-Fasher, a key city in the Darfur region.
  • The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have declared control of el-Fasher.
  • General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan's military chief, confirmed the army's withdrawal in a televised address.
  • Gen. Burhan stated the decision was made in agreement with local leaders to protect remaining citizens and the city from destruction, citing "systematic destruction and killing of civilians."
  • El-Fasher represented the army's last foothold in the western Darfur region.
  • The city had been under siege since May of the previous year.
  • The capture of el-Fasher grants the RSF control over all five state capitals in Darfur.
  • This consolidates the RSF's parallel administration in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur.
  • Gen. Burhan stated his vow to continue fighting, indicating that the army "can turn the tables every time, and we can return every land desecrated by these traitors to the nation's fold."

Humanitarian Situation

  • The UN has expressed alarm over reports of atrocities reportedly committed by the RSF.
  • The UN has called for safe passage for trapped civilians.
  • The RSF has denied accusations of killing civilians.
  • The 18-month siege of el-Fasher and the surrounding North Darfur region has contributed to malnutrition, disease, and violence.
  • The UN Human Rights Office reported an increase in large-scale, ethnically motivated violations and atrocities in el-Fasher.
  • The siege had caused severe food shortages in the city.

International Response

  • UN head Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the situation in el-Fasher.
  • Guterres condemned reported "violations of international humanitarian law."
  • The UN Human Rights Office urged "States with influence [to] act to prevent atrocities by RSF and allied fighters," adding that "accountability is key."
  • General Burhan criticized the international community's inaction regarding the reported atrocities.

Context of the Conflict

  • The fall of el-Fasher is considered a significant turning point in Sudan's civil war.
  • The conflict, which commenced in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of nearly 12 million people.