Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces have escalated their siege on El Fasher, targeting the Abu Shouk displacement camp with relentless artillery fire, deepening the humanitarian emergency gripping Darfur. Eyewitnesses describe mounting casualties, with food, medicine, and aid cut off by an ironclad blockade—sparking international alarms over potential war crimes.

Crisis Amid Siege and Desolation

El Fasher, once a refuge for displaced communities in North Darfur, is now besieged by RSF's blockade and bombardment. Satellite imagery reveals expanding graveyards and dwindling resources as the city and adjoining camps like Abu Shouk and Zamzam face starvation. Doctors report malnourished children reduced to “skeletons,” while markets and hospitals struggle to function.

In recent weeks, mass shelling has left at least 24 civilians dead and another 55 wounded in crowded residential zones and markets near Abu Shouk. UN agencies added that 89 civilians died between August 11 and 20 alone, including 16 from the Zaghawa ethnic group who were executed summa­rily, signaling fatal ethnic targeting.

Context: Campaign of Escalation

The assault on Abu Shouk fits into a broader RSF strategy that began in April with the attack on Zamzam camp, where hundreds—many women, children, and aid workers—were killed over several days. Reports describe these actions as indiscriminate attacks, including shootings, arson, and sexual violence. The RSF converted sections of the camp into military posts, while survivors fled into precarious roads and settlements.

Analysts and aid groups warn that El Fasher could be the epicenter of another Darfur-style atrocity—absent urgent protection and international intervention.

Human Rights At Risk

Humanitarian observers highlight a pattern of targeted violence, including ethnically motivated murders and deliberate civilian attacks—violations of international humanitarian law. The dire siege conditions compound the risk, with famine and disease ravaging vulnerable populations and aid deliveries

The international community faces mounting pressure to respond. Failure to intervene could leave El Fasher and its displaced residents facing an unthinkable fate.