El-Fasher Described As Ghost Town Following RSF Control

Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanders have reportedly moved into residential areas in El-Fasher, Sudan. According to Altaïr Hashim of the Darfur Emergency Committee, RSF forces are occupying homes with their families, specifically in the Arajaula neighborhood. Local residents report the city appears largely empty due to fear of being taken hostage. Access to several districts remains restricted by the RSF, leading to claims from civil society that the group is concealing activities. The situation follows ongoing instability in the Darfur region. UN evaluation missions and select NGOs have had limited, supervised access to the area over the last six months. Paramilitary groups claim approximately 30,000 people have returned to resettle in the city. The city remains heavily locked down by the Éméthi camp. Humanitarian sources report that El-Fasher remains unsafe for residents despite government and paramilitary claims of security. The government, allied with paramilitaries based in Niala, is attempting to facilitate the return of populations to the city. Residents report that displaced families have been replaced by people from other countries and Arab tribes. The conflict in Sudan has entered its fourth year.