El Fasher, once a sanctuary in North Darfur, is now under siege following intensified fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. Civilians face dire conditions, including shelling and famine. The U.N. documents rising casualties and human rights violations. International condemnation has surged, urging an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access amid fears of further violence.

Since May 2023, El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has been besieged amid escalating violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Former residents describe the city’s transformation from a refuge for internally displaced individuals to a site of immense suffering and destruction. The recent military clashes have left approximately 800,000 civilians trapped, enduring relentless attacks that include shelling and airstrikes. Reports indicate that the humanitarian situation has deteriorated, with famine conditions worsening in displacement camps. The United Nations has documented rising civilian casualties, alongside severe human rights violations like summary executions and sexual violence. The RSF recently proclaimed a significant military victory against SAF, although independent verification is pending. International bodies, including the U.S. government, have condemned the ongoing assaults by both factions, emphasizing the urgent need for ceasefire and humanitarian access. As the conflict persists, the repercussions on civilians continue to mount, prompting fears of further violence and instability in the region.

The siege in El Fasher follows months of escalating tensions between the SAF and RSF that spiraled into open conflict in April 2023. This war emerged from a struggle for power between the military leadership and paramilitary forces in Sudan, compounded by longstanding humanitarian crises and ethnic tensions. As fighting intensified, El Fasher transitioned from a humanitarian hub to a frontline in a civil war, drastically affecting the civilian population. Reports from various humanitarian organizations and the U.N. highlight the dire situation faced by the people of El Fasher, including chronic displacement and increasing instances of violence against non-combatants. The area has also seen significant infrastructural damage, severely limiting access to essential services like healthcare and education.

El Fasher remains embattled as both respectful humanitarian and governmental entities call for an immediate cessation of violence and an end to the siege. The civilians trapped in this conflict continue to suffer, enduring assaults on their lives and livelihoods. As the humanitarian crisis escalates with confirmed famine conditions in displacement camps, international pressure mounts for a concerted response to protect civilians, restore order, and facilitate humanitarian aid. The situation in Sudan, particularly in El Fasher, underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution for the sake of its people and the stability of the region.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com

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