El-fasher: Thousands of Sudanese civilians are reportedly being detained under severe conditions by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
According to Anadolu Agency, a local medical group has raised alarms over the situation, highlighting the extreme hardships faced by those held captive, including a complete lack of basic necessities.
Dr. Roaa Al-Amin, a spokeswoman for the Sudan Doctors Network, detailed the grim scenario, noting that many women and girls have become victims of serious violations, such as rape and physical assaults by RSF elements. These acts are occurring amidst a significant absence of legal protection and humanitarian oversight.
The medical group has described the ongoing situation as a "full-fledged humanitarian crime," assigning blame to the international community and the United Nations for their failure to intervene and protect civilians. They have called for immediate action to halt the violations and to establish safe corridors for the evacuation of women and children, along with providing urgent humanitarian aid to those trapped.
Further highlighting the crisis, the North Darfur Emergency Coordination Council reported that the Kassab Camp in North Darfur recently received a new influx of displaced individuals from El-Fasher. The council noted that 193 families, comprising 772 individuals, arrived at the camp under dire humanitarian conditions after enduring long journeys without adequate food or medical assistance.
The council's statement emphasized the urgent need for global attention, describing the situation in North Darfur as a call to the world's conscience. They stressed that safeguarding the lives and dignity of civilians is a shared humanitarian responsibility that must not be delayed or ignored.
In related developments, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that nearly 89,000 people were displaced from El-Fasher and its surrounding areas in North Darfur last month. The RSF seized control of El-Fasher on October 26, reportedly committing ethnic-based massacres, raising concerns about potential geographical partitioning in the country.
Since April 15, 2023, the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. Despite efforts from regional and international mediators, a resolution to the conflict remains elusive.