The city of Al Fasher in Sudan has become a scene of extreme violence, with killings, rape, and looting reported across the region. Paramilitary forces of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized control of the city and blocked all humanitarian aid from entering.
Since the RSF took over Al Fasher, at least 62,000 residents have fled the city and surrounding areas. The humanitarian crisis is not limited to Darfur; northern Kordofan is also facing severe distress, with thousands displaced due to insecurity and attacks on civilians.
Reports indicate that streets are littered with bodies as RSF members carry out brutal assaults on residents. Humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations, have confirmed that RSF is preventing aid from reaching those in urgent need. Civilians are fleeing to nearby towns, including Tawila, in search of safety, while movement within affected areas remains highly restricted.
The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that in northern Kordofan alone, about 36,000 people were displaced from the city of Bara this week. Allegations have also emerged that five Red Crescent volunteers were hanged by paramilitary forces while attempting to deliver aid.
Human rights organizations have described the indiscriminate killings in Darfur and northern Kordofan as potential acts of genocide. They are demanding safe access for humanitarian aid and protection for civilians. Calls have also been made for investigations into war crimes and for accountability for those responsible.
The crisis has left communities without basic resources, forcing people to abandon their homes in search of safety. Aid agencies are warning that if access remains blocked, the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further, putting tens of thousands more at risk.
The unfolding violence in Al Fasher highlights the ongoing security challenges in Sudan, as paramilitary forces continue to commit atrocities against civilians, undermining both safety and the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance.
