Paramilitary Forces Seize El Fasher Amid Reports of Atrocities

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized control of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, following an 18-month siege that has led to severe humanitarian conditions. Videos verified by Human Rights Watch depict RSF fighters executing civilians attempting to flee the city.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over potential large-scale, ethnically driven attacks in El Fasher. UN rights chief Volker Turk emphasized the urgency of preventing further atrocities, stating that such events "can be averted if all actors take concrete action to uphold international law, demand respect for civilian life and property, and prevent the continued commission of atrocity crimes."

The humanitarian situation is dire, with over 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, trapped without adequate access to food, water, or medical supplies. Reports indicate that many residents have resorted to consuming animal fodder to survive.

International organizations and human rights groups are calling for immediate action to address the crisis and prevent further loss of life. The RSF's actions have drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for accountability and urgent humanitarian assistance to the affected populations.