Esther Imonmion
Sudan’s military has confirmed its withdrawal from the strategic city of El-Fasher, the last army stronghold in western Sudan, marking a major victory for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after an 18-month siege.
In a televised address on Monday, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s military chief, said he had authorized the army’s withdrawal to prevent further civilian casualties and destruction in the city.
“We agreed with local leaders to leave and go to a safe place to protect the remaining citizens and the rest of the city from destruction,” Burhan said.
The RSF had earlier declared full control of El-Fasher, capping months of intense fighting. The group’s capture of the city gives it command over all five state capitals in the Darfur region, consolidating its parallel administration headquartered in Nyala, South Darfur.
The United Nations has raised the alarm over reports of mass killings and atrocities allegedly committed by RSF fighters in recent days. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “gravely concerned” about the situation and condemned the reported “violations of international humanitarian law.”
The UN Human Rights Office warned that ethnically motivated attacks and large-scale violations were increasing, calling on influential states to intervene.
“States with influence must act to prevent atrocities by RSF and allied fighters; accountability is key,” it said in a statement.
The fall of El-Fasher is seen as a turning point in Sudan’s civil war, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 12 million people since it erupted in April 2023 between the army and the RSF.
El-Fasher had been under siege since May 2024, with food and medical supplies cut off, leaving residents facing starvation and disease.
Gen. Burhan, in his address, accused the international community of failing to act against the RSF and vowed to continue the fight.
“We can turn the tables every time, and we can return every land desecrated by these traitors to the nation’s fold,” he declared.
The UN has called for safe passage for civilians trapped in El-Fasher as humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.