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), together with allied groups, continue to escalate. The city has been paralyzed, forcing thousands of civilians to flee, and the conflict has now entered its 17th month. The RSF has been pounding El Fasher with artillery and drone strikes, causing significant casualties. Over the past ten days the situation has worsened: entire markets have been destroyed and mosques forced to shut after direct hits.
The SAF’s Sixth Infantry Division reported repelling a large RSF assault on Monday, claiming heavy losses of men and equipment for the RSF. Despite these claims, RSF media channels released videos of commanders stating they had reached the El Quba neighbourhood, near the division’s command centre. Joint Force spokesperson Maj. Jamal El Din Issawi Adam dismissed the RSF statements as “propaganda,” insisting his troops held their ground.
Civilians have borne the brunt of the fighting. Many mosques in El Fasher have been forced to close because of the violence. On 19 September, a drone attack—reportedly carried out by the RSF—hit the El Safiya Mosque and nearby homes in the El Daraja Awla neighbourhood, 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 and called for those responsible to be held accountable, warning that El Fasher remains under siege and at “grave risk of further attacks.”
The destruction of the Abu Qurun market in western El Fasher has further deepened 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, urgent protection of civilians, and the establishment of a humanitarian truce in and around El Fasher. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community is urged to take swift action to protect civilians and prevent further human suffering. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and infrastructure destruction, underscoring the need for an effective humanitarian response.
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