Sudanese Paramilitary Group RSF Seizes Al-Fashir Amid Humanitarian Crisis

In a significant escalation of Sudan's ongoing civil war, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, have seized control of Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, following an 18-month siege. The city's fall on October 26, 2025, has been accompanied by reports of mass killings, sexual violence, and abductions, raising alarm over a deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.

Al-Fashir, a city with a population of approximately 252,609, has been a strategic stronghold for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The RSF's capture of the city marks a pivotal moment in the civil war that erupted in April 2023. The paramilitary group announced the takeover through a statement, declaring, "We have taken complete control of the 6th Infantry Division command in El Fasher, breaking the back of the army and its allies."

The aftermath of the city's capture has been harrowing. Reports indicate that over 2,000 unarmed civilians have been executed by RSF forces. Eyewitness accounts describe summary executions, widespread sexual violence, and the abduction of medical workers. Satellite imagery analyzed by the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University reveals clusters of what appear to be human bodies near RSF vehicles and within the city's perimeter, suggesting systematic killings.

The humanitarian situation is dire. Over 26,000 residents have fled the city, seeking refuge in neighboring areas such as Tawila. The United Nations has warned that the civilian population is facing starvation and constant danger due to the RSF's bombing of public areas, including marketplaces. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and humanitarian aid has been severely restricted, exacerbating the crisis.

The RSF's actions have drawn international condemnation. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the situation, stating, "I am gravely concerned with the situation in El Fasher and condemn reported violations of international humanitarian law." Human rights organizations have echoed these sentiments, calling for immediate action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable.

The RSF, originally formed from the Janjaweed militia notorious for its role in the Darfur conflict of the early 2000s, has evolved into a powerful paramilitary force. Under the leadership of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, the RSF has been implicated in numerous human rights violations throughout the current civil war. In January 2025, the U.S. government officially accused the RSF of committing genocide and imposed sanctions on Hemedti, including asset freezes and a travel ban.

The capture of Al-Fashir signifies a potential turning point in Sudan's civil war. With the RSF now controlling the entirety of the Darfur region, there are growing concerns about the possibility of Sudan's partition. The Sudan Founding Alliance, an RSF-aligned coalition formed in February 2025, has been advocating for a secular, democratic, and decentralized state, further complicating the political landscape.

The international community faces mounting pressure to respond decisively to the crisis. Calls for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors have intensified. The United Nations and various human rights organizations continue to urge all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians.

As the situation unfolds, the resilience of the Sudanese people remains evident. However, without concerted international intervention and a commitment to peace, the humanitarian catastrophe in Al-Fashir and the broader Darfur region is poised to worsen.