Stories from Fasher · Sudan

The United Nations has issued a special 'Child Alert' warning for the Darfur region of Sudan due to levels of hunger and violence. This specific alert is a rarely used procedure by the international organization to signal that a situation has reached a critical level. Children are bearing the heaviest burden of the war in Darfur, facing death, injury, disability, and displacement. The agency reported that children are suffering from acute hunger, disease, and psychological trauma. UNICEF reports acute malnutrition and severe psychological trauma among children in North Darfur. The report notes that levels of acute malnutrition in two additional areas in North Darfur rose in February. Children remain among the primary victims of the ongoing food insecurity crisis. Increased disease and lack of humanitarian aid are impacting Darfur.

A UNICEF representative reported that at least 1,300 children have been maimed in Sudan since April 2024. The violations include kidnapping, forced recruitment, and sexual violence. The representative stated that children in Darfur are in need of compassion. At least 160 children were killed and dozens more injured during the first three months of 2026 due to violence in Sudan. The scale of violence has increased compared to the previous year. These atrocities are part of a broader pattern of conflict across the country.

More than 1,500 serious violations of children's rights have been recorded in Darfur. The source noted that widespread violence has persisted since that date. The data includes over 4,300 cases of killing or mutilation, according to the agency. UNICEF reported more than 570 serious violations against children committed by conflicting parties across Sudan. These figures reflect the ongoing impact of the conflict on minors in the country. UNICEF reports more than 4,300 cases of killing or mutilation and at least 160 child casualties. Approximately 33 million people in Sudan require humanitarian aid, with 5 million children facing extreme poverty. The United Nations has documented more than 5,700 serious violations against children committed by parties to the conflict in Sudan since fighting began in 2023. The conflict involves the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.

A new report from the United Nations children's agency highlights ongoing violence against children in the Darfur region of Sudan. The warning comes as the war in Sudan enters its fourth year. The organization stated that the region has reached a critical stage of severe hunger and violence. The situation is impacting the daily lives of millions of people. A UNESCO representative reported that children in Darfur are facing tragedies including forced recruitment and sexual violence. A UNICEF representative stated that at least 1,300 children in Darfur have been maimed since April 2024. The representative said that children in Darfur require global action rather than just sympathy. The situation is described as a tragedy extending across the region. These incidents are occurring within the context of the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

An attack targeted a camp for displaced persons in the Darfur region of Sudan. Rapid Support Forces vehicles were targeted by airstrikes in the Aftaban area near Fadil in Darfur.

From January to April, over 1400 civilians were detained by armed groups in Fasher, the capital of Sudan's West Darfur state. Sudan's Doctors Network reported that over 1,400 civilians were detained by armed individuals in Fasher, the capital of Darfur state, between January and April.

The United Nations has expressed fears regarding potential genocidal acts in the city of El-Fasher, Sudan. This follows a period of intense violence in the region, including a siege that lasted 18 months. Rapid Support Forces (RSF) previously regained control of the city six months ago. The situation follows a period of bloodshed in western Sudan. Chadian authorities have not yet issued a formal response to these developments. Mohamed Osman, the university's deputy director, confirmed the medical faculty area was used as a mass grave during the conflict. Authorities have exhumed 3,000 bodies from a mass grave located on the campus of the International University of Africa.

Residents of El-Fasher report fear of being taken hostage if they return to the city, which remains under the control of Rapid Support Forces. UN evaluation missions and NGOs have had limited access to the area over the last six months. While paramilitary forces claim 30,000 people have resettled in the city, civil society groups dispute this figure. Observers describe the city as a nearly destroyed ghost town. Local inhabitants claim that outside tribal groups have been installed in their houses despite government assurances. A humanitarian source states the government and paramilitary forces in Nyala are attempting to facilitate population returns.

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.