Civilians in El-Fasher Seek Shelter as Conflict Escalates in Sudan
In El-Fasher, Sudan, civilians like Nafisa Malik and Mohammed Ibrahim are enduring the horrors of ongoing civil war, seeking refuge from bombardments. The RSF’s siege leads to humanitarian crises, including potential famine, while the Army fights to maintain control of the strategically vital city. The situation highlights the stark reality faced by these communities as conditions worsen and aid remains scarce.
In the besieged Sudanese city of El-Fasher, Nafisa Malik shelters her five children in a small hole as conflict intensifies. She expressed a profound sense of fear, stating, “Time slows down here.” The ongoing civil war between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan’s Army has resulted in significant casualties, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres describing it as a “crisis of staggering scale and brutality.”
El-Obeid has suffered from relentless attacks, with recent shelling resulting in civilian deaths. As one of the few urban areas still under Army control in Darfur, El-Fasher has become a strategic target for the RSF. Amidst the attacks, residents have constructed makeshift bunkers for protection from artillery and drone strikes, highlighting the desperation for safety.
Among those seeking refuge, Mohammed Ibrahim, a resident, has created a buried shelter in his yard, determined to protect his family. Despite the supply line disruptions caused by the RSF siege, the Army remains fortified in El-Fasher, with support from various allied groups. Reports have indicated extensive destruction from bombardments in the area, consistent with attacks from both the Army and RSF.
Health facilities in El-Fasher, like the Saudi Hospital, have resorted to makeshift underground operating rooms during airstrikes. The struggle for control of El-Fasher is critical not only for the Army’s strategy but also due to the city’s historical significance. As RSF advances threaten to tip the balance of power in Darfur, the implications for the local population and the humanitarian crisis deepens.
Concerns are growing regarding the humanitarian situation, with the UN reporting impending famine in several camps around El-Fasher. Assistance is dwindling as aid operations have been suspended, rendering residents vulnerable. As Mr. Suleiman remarked, the crisis has turned risks into financial hurdles for obtaining necessities. The World Food Programme warned that continued blockades on aid would lead to catastrophic consequences.
The conflict in Sudan, particularly in El-Fasher, poses significant humanitarian and strategic challenges. Residents endure extreme duress as they seek refuge from ongoing violence and face food insecurity. The RSF’s siege intensifies fears of famine while humanitarian aid remains scarce, which could exacerbate the already dire situation. Efforts from various parties are currently pivotal in determining the city’s fate amid the broader conflict in Darfur.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
