Tens of thousands of Sudanese are fleeing reported atrocities in the western city of el‑Fasher, which was captured by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) late last month. The city’s fall has triggered a massive displacement, with more than 16,000 people seeking refuge in the nearby town of Tawila, according to Adam Rojal, spokesperson for Sudan’s IDPs and Refugee Camps. The International Organization for Migration estimates that the total number of displaced persons exceeds 80,000.
The humanitarian situation in Tawila is dire. Displaced families are struggling to survive on limited food and water, and the local hospital run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is overwhelmed. Since el‑Fasher fell, the hospital has received over 1,500 patients, many with serious fractures and trauma injuries, while hundreds more arrive daily severely malnourished. MSF reports extremely high levels of malnutrition among both children and adults.
El‑Fasher’s fall followed an 18‑month siege that left the city in ruins. Survivors and satellite imagery indicate that RSF fighters attacked hospitals and homes; the World Health Organization confirmed more than 450 deaths at the Saudi Hospital. Although the RSF denies involvement, independent footage contradicts its claims. United Nations top human‑rights official Volker Türk warns that atrocities may still be unfolding, with traumatized civilians trapped and facing summary executions, rape, and ethnically motivated violence.
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023 after months of tension between the army and the RSF. Fighting has spread nationwide, resulting in at least 40,000 deaths and displacing around 12 million people. Nearly half the population faces acute food insecurity, according to the WHO. Violence has also spread to neighboring North Kordofan, where a drone attack earlier this week killed at least 40 people.
Aid agencies are pushing to provide support despite the challenges. The RSF has announced its acceptance of a humanitarian truce proposed by the US‑led Quad mediation group, while the Sudanese army has welcomed the plan, conditional on the RSF’s withdrawal from civilian areas and disarmament. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating crisis and its devastating impact on civilians.
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