The United States has urged Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to take
immediate steps to protect civilians as fighting intensifies in el Fasher, the
capital of North Darfur.
“As fighting intensifies in el Fasher and more
civilians seek safety from the violence, the RSF must act now to protect
civilians and prevent further suffering,” said US Senior Advisor for Arab and
African Affairs, Massad Boulos, in a statement.
Boulos called on RSF leaders to issue and
publicly communicate clear orders to their troops to ensure the safety of
civilians, humanitarian workers, and aid operations.
He further demanded that the RSF open humanitarian corridors to allow
civilians to flee to safer areas.
“Humanitarian corridors must be opened
immediately to allow civilians to reach areas of safety,” he said, warning that
the world is watching developments in el Fasher closely.
“The world is watching el Fasher and the RSF’s actions with deep concern.”
El Fasher has become a flashpoint in Sudan’s
escalating civil war, where fierce battles between the RSF and the Sudanese
Armed Forces (SAF) have displaced thousands and worsened an already
catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
Boulos’s comments came shortly after the RSF
announced it had captured the Sudanese army’s 6th Division headquarters in el
Fasher, a development seen as a major turning point in the conflict.
The paramilitary group claimed on social media to have destroyed “huge
military vehicles” and seized large quantities of equipment from the army.
The RSF has surrounded el Fasher for more than
18 months, bombarding army positions and civilian neighbourhoods.
An estimated 300,000 people remain trapped by the fighting, unable to access
food, water, or medical aid.
In August, satellite images revealed extensive
earthen barriers around the city—reportedly built to prevent civilians from
escaping.
The RSF has been advancing toward the army’s 6th Infantry Division from
multiple directions, and observers believe the remaining government-held areas
may not withstand the assault for long.
Hunger and disease have spread rapidly as
bombardments continue and essential supplies run out.
According to UN investigators, the RSF has committed widespread crimes
against humanity during its siege of the city.
The United States has accused the group of committing genocide against
non-Arab communities in Darfur.
Sudan has been torn apart by war since April
2023, when a power struggle erupted between the leaders of the RSF and the
Sudanese army.
The conflict has killed more than 150,000 people and displaced over 12
million, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
