El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, remains under intense attack as clashes between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), along with allied groups, continue to escalate. The city has been paralyzed, forcing thousands of civilians to flee, with the conflict entering its 17th month.

The RSF has been pounding El Fasher with artillery and drone strikes, resulting in significant casualties. Over the past ten days, the situation has worsened, with entire markets being destroyed and mosques being shuttered due to direct hits. The SAF’s Sixth Infantry Division reported repelling a large RSF assault on Monday, claiming that the RSF suffered heavy losses in men and equipment.

Despite the SAF’s claims, RSF media channels released videos of commanders stating that they had reached the El Quba neighborhood, near the division’s command center. However, Joint Force spokesperson Maj Jamal El Din Issawi Adam dismissed these claims as “propaganda,” insisting that his troops held their ground.

The conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians, with many mosques in El Fasher being forced to shut down due to the violence. On September 19, the El Safiya Mosque and nearby homes in the El Daraja Awla neighborhood were struck by a drone attack, reportedly carried out by the RSF, killing at least 75 worshippers, including 11 children, and injuring many others.

The United Nations’ Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan condemned the strike, calling for those responsible to be held accountable. The mission warned that El Fasher remains under siege and at “grave risk of further attacks,” emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect civilians.

The destruction of the Abu Qurun market in western El Fasher has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leaving civilians without access to essential goods and services. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the urgent protection of civilians, and the establishment of a humanitarian truce in and around El Fasher.

As the situation in El Fasher continues to deteriorate, the international community is urged to take immediate action to protect civilians and prevent further human suffering. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a swift and effective response to address the humanitarian crisis.