El Fasher starving under siege

By Mohamed Badawi

In a previous article, I discussed the need to expand civilian protection beyond El Fasher, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2736. Despite a decrease in direct attacks, likely due to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)’s tactical manoeuvring aiming to regroup rather than adhering to the resolution, the North Darfur capital city remains under siege.

The RSF have strategically allowed a southwestern exit, channelling displaced civilians towards Zamzam camp and other regions. However, this controlled exodus serves a sinister purpose: Zamzam has become a hub for displaced persons, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands, who have fled over 80 neighbourhoods in El Fasher. This mass displacement has created a humanitarian crisis, with residents facing cash shortages and exorbitant fees for financial transactions.

Simultaneously, the RSF have tightened their grip on El Fasher. Goods entering through Khazan Jadid are subject to extortionate fees, severely limiting essential supplies. This calculated manoeuvre has led to food scarcity and skyrocketing prices, pushing the city towards famine.

Following the death of Major General Ali Yaqoub, the RSF have regrouped under Prince Abdul Rahman Kabro, launching intensified attacks on vital targets like the livestock market and Saudi Hospital. The death toll has tragically surpassed 80, and medical services are collapsing due to a lack of protection and medicine.

The RSF’s duplicity is evident: while they verbally agree to humanitarian aid in Geneva, their actions on the ground betray a calculated strategy to starve and bombard El Fasher into submission. This is a flagrant violation of the UN Security Council resolution, which mandates civilian protection.

The international community cannot remain complacent. The RSF must immediately cease attacks on civilians and lift the siege on El Fasher and other cities. The Sudanese Armed Forces must allow unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery.

The UN Security Council must enforce its resolution and expand protection zones to include other suffering areas like Sennar and Suki. The rainy season is approaching, threatening to exacerbate this crisis. Urgent action is needed to prevent further catastrophe.

#SaveSudan #SaveElFasher