Over 26,000 flee Sudan's El-Fasher as violence escalates dramatically

Escalating violence in Sudan's El-Fasher has forced more than 26,000 civilians to flee their homes within a 48-hour period, according to United Nations estimates. The mass displacement comes as fighting intensifies between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces for control of the strategic North Darfur capital.

Rapid Displacement and Dire Conditions

The International Organization for Migration reported that between October 26-27 alone, approximately 26,030 people were displaced by combat in El-Fasher. These figures represent preliminary estimates that are expected to rise as insecurity worsens and displacement accelerates. Meanwhile, local Sudanese organizations documented the arrival of 1,117 displaced individuals in Tawila city on Sunday, bringing the total to 3,038 people from 831 families who have reached the area since October 18.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Adam Regal, spokesperson for the General Coordination for Refugees and Displaced Persons, described the displaced families as "living in dire humanitarian conditions and lack even the most basic necessities for survival." He urgently appealed to UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to provide immediate life-saving services including water, healthcare, nutrition, food, shelter, and protection for the growing number of civilians escaping the violence in the Darfur region.

Broader Conflict Context

The current exodus from El-Fasher occurs within the larger framework of Sudan's civil war, which began in April 2023 between the national army and the RSF paramilitary group. The RSF has maintained a siege around El-Fasher since May 10, 2024, as it attempts to capture the city that serves as the humanitarian operations center for all five Darfur states. Last week, four UN agencies reported that 260,000 civilians remain trapped inside the city, including 130,000 children suffering from acute food shortages and inadequate healthcare.