Thousands of residents have fled el-Fasher in Sudan after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of the city in Darfur, leaving a trail of death, injury, and destruction. Survivors arriving in the town of Tawila, roughly 80 kilometers from el-Fasher, describe a harrowing journey marked by torture, killings, and theft. Many escaped with nothing but the clothes on their backs, traveling for days without food or basic necessities.
Reports indicate that men attempting to flee were especially vulnerable, with RSF fighters targeting anyone suspected of military ties. Numerous escapees arrived in Tawila with severe injuries, including gunshot wounds and beatings, while others were forced to crawl or travel by night to avoid detection. Aid workers from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are providing emergency medical treatment to over 500 of the newly arrived survivors, many of whom are malnourished, dehydrated, or traumatized.
Prior to the RSF takeover, el-Fasher had endured an 18-month siege, with artillery bombardments, airstrikes, and restricted humanitarian access leaving residents in dire conditions. Hundreds of thousands had already been displaced in previous attacks, including the seizure of the nearby Zamzam camp.
Humanitarian observers warn that the 5,000 people who have reached Tawila represent only a fraction of the population remaining in el-Fasher. Many are believed to be stranded along roads between the two towns, unable to move due to injuries, exhaustion, or continued militia attacks. Relief agencies stress the urgent need for secure corridors and emergency aid to prevent further suffering.
The ongoing crisis highlights the severe humanitarian toll of the RSF’s campaign, as survivors recount a mixture of relief at having reached safety and anxiety for those still trapped in conflict zones. International organizations are calling for immediate interventions to protect civilians and provide basic services to the displaced population.
