Displacement in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has reached alarming levels as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensify their operations, according to a recent report by the United Nations. The ongoing civil conflict in Sudan has led to the displacement of over one million individuals since its onset, with a significant acceleration noted in recent months as the RSF has consolidated its presence in the region.
Data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicates a stark decrease in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in el-Fasher, plummeting from approximately 699,000 to 204,000 between March and September this year. Overall, the population of el-Fasher has diminished by 62 percent, dropping from a pre-war level of 1.11 million to just about 413,454 residents. This decline follows the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) recapture of Khartoum in late March, resulting in the RSF redirecting its focus toward bolstering its control over the Darfur region, where el-Fasher stands as the last major urban stronghold for the army.
April has emerged as one of the most violent months, with nearly half a million individuals displaced from the Zamzam IDP camp alone, marking a severe exacerbation of an already critical humanitarian situation. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which has been ongoing since April 2023, is widely recognized as one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises, prompting millions to seek refuge in neighboring nations, particularly Egypt and Chad.
The surge in cross-border movement into Chad has seen a 45 percent increase year-on-year in 2025, with estimates suggesting nearly 1.2 million individuals have crossed into the country. For those unable to leave Sudan, internal displacement has surged, particularly noted in the Tawila locality where IDP populations more than doubled from 238,000 to 576,000 in the same period.
Since May 2024, the RSF has implemented a siege on el-Fasher, effectively blocking supply routes and imperiling approximately 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, who have faced sustained humanitarian deprivations for over 16 months. Reports indicate that the RSF has constructed earthen barriers around the city, restricting supply movement and exacerbating the local humanitarian crisis.
Escalating violence has marred recent weeks, highlighted by a tragic drone strike on a mosque during Friday prayers that resulted in over 70 fatalities. The United Nations has expressed serious concerns regarding the worsening situation, warning of potential ethnically motivated violence should the RSF gain control of the city.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, 87 percent of surveyed households reported a need for healthcare, yet 78 percent cited barriers to access, such as destroyed facilities and insecurity. Food insecurity has also spiked, with 89 percent of households facing dire consumption levels, according to Finnish research.
The chilling battle for el-Fasher is more than a local struggle; it represents a critical juncture in Sudan’s broader conflict dynamics. The RSF’s control over the majority of western Sudan, including nearly all of Darfur, coupled with the establishment of a “parallel government” by the paramilitary forces, underscores the growing fragmentation of authority and governance in the region.
In the midst of this turmoil, it is essential that humanitarian action remains a priority to alleviate the suffering of the displaced populations and ultimately seek pathways toward peace in Sudan.
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