RSF Captures El Fasher Army Base, Heightening Sudan’s Crisis

The paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has reportedly captured the army headquarters in El Fasher, the last stronghold of the Sudanese army in the Darfur region. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that has engulfed Sudan since April 2023, when tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese army escalated over plans for military integration during a transition to democracy.

Videos shared by the RSF on Sunday showcased soldiers celebrating in front of the army’s Sixth Infantry base, a claim verified by Reuters, although the exact date of the capture could not be confirmed. The Sudanese army has yet to issue a statement regarding its status in El Fasher, a city that has been under siege by the RSF for the past 18 months.

Potential for National Division

The takeover of El Fasher could represent a pivotal victory for the RSF, potentially hastening a physical split within Sudan. Control of this strategic city would allow the RSF to consolidate its authority over the vast Darfur region, which the group has claimed as the base for a parallel government established this summer.

On Saturday, the RSF also captured the city of Bara in North Kordofan, a crucial area that serves as a barrier between Darfur and the Sudanese capital. This city has seen intense conflict as the RSF battles the Sudanese army, former rebel factions, and local militias. The siege has resulted in dire humanitarian conditions, leading to widespread starvation among the approximately 250,000 residents who remain in the city.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Reports indicate that the RSF has targeted civilians with frequent drone and artillery strikes throughout the siege. Local activists warn that an RSF takeover could provoke ethnic revenge attacks, reminiscent of violence following previous military gains. Communication impediments, including a long-term telecom blackout, have made it difficult to reach residents for firsthand accounts.

According to the RSF, they are facilitating the exit of civilians and surrendered fighters from El Fasher. However, individuals who have managed to leave reported incidents of robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault, and killings by RSF soldiers along the escape routes. A senior RSF official shared video footage claiming to show their forces protecting a convoy of individuals departing the city, although Reuters could not confirm the authenticity of the footage.

The United Nations has previously reported that the RSF committed multiple crimes against humanity during the siege of El Fasher. The Sudanese army has also faced accusations of war crimes in the ongoing conflict. Local activist groups, such as the El Fasher Resistance Committees, assert that the fighting for the city is far from over and have criticized the army leadership for abandoning its forces in the area.

The war between the Sudanese army and the RSF has displaced millions and exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, plunging half of Sudan into hunger and spreading disease across the nation. Recently, diplomatic efforts have intensified, with the United States hosting discussions among officials from Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia regarding potential peace plans. Meanwhile, Sudan’s foreign ministry confirmed that officials were engaged in bilateral talks in Washington, though the army-led Sovereign Council denied reports of indirect negotiations between the two warring factions.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications for Sudan’s stability remain profound, with the potential for further violence and humanitarian suffering as the RSF consolidates its power in the region.