Mohammed Zakaria, a Sudanese video journalist and human rights activist, has been grappling with the profound personal impact of a grim situation in his hometown of el-Fasher. As paramilitary forces assert control over the city, the implications stretch far beyond the immediate violence, with increasing reports of violence and atrocities resonating throughout Sudan’s fragile socio-political landscape. Zakaria’s harrowing efforts to monitor the turmoil from afar underscore the urgent need for international awareness and intervention in the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The recent fall of el-Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) marks a significant turning point in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, igniting fears of escalating violence and unprecedented atrocities. Nearly two years of siege culminated in the RSF’s capture of the city, paving the way for a grim reality for the civilian population. Mohammed Zakaria, who has been tracking developments from Kampala, Uganda, felt a chilling personal connection upon discovering that relatives were among the fallen, posting videos on social media that showed RSF soldiers celebrating over corpses.
The situation in el-Fasher deteriorated following an 18-month military encirclement by the RSF, culminating in the Sudanese army’s withdrawal, which left the city in the hands of the paramilitary group. This takeover grants the RSF control over all five state capitals in the Darfur region, thereby solidifying its power amidst the civil conflict. International observers have raised alarms, citing evidence of ethnic-driven mass violence, with humanitarian organizations reporting extensive casualties and the appalling loss of civilian life.
In the chaos that followed the RSF’s control of el-Fasher, an estimated 260,000 civilians remained trapped, many of whom are children. The Sudan Doctors Network reported a “heinous massacre,” with different organizations estimating thousands of casualties. The UN documented 1,350 deaths and noted that many civilians have been subjected to summary executions, a grim reminder of the atrocities unfolding in Sudan.
Evidence from the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab suggests that the nature of the killings has parallels to past genocides, including the Rwandan genocide, underlining the urgent need for global action against the violence. Social media platforms reveal disturbing videos of RSF fighters boasting about their actions, heightening the sense of dread for communities already cracking under the weight of conflict.
Despite the horror, some within the international community continue to call for action. UN officials have warned of the risk of large-scale ethnic violence, urging immediate intervention to prevent further atrocities. However, the RSF has publicly stated its commitment to civilian safety, a claim met with skepticism given the overwhelming evidence of violence.
Zakaria’s personal story illustrates the devastating impact of the conflict. He left el-Fasher after witnessing harrowing violence near his home, taking the treacherous route through South Sudan to safety. He continues to advocate for those left behind, sharing his story and the stories of others who remain unaccounted for as he monitors the situation from afar.
“The time has passed for actions,” Zakaria stated, encapsulating the urgency of the moment. “The genocide is happening now.” As the international community grapples with how best to respond, the voices of those like Zakaria highlight the critical need for immediate humanitarian support and intervention to alleviate the suffering of the people in Sudan.
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