Tens of thousands of civilians have fled their homes in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region as fighting intensifies around El Fasher. According to new figures released by the UN migration agency, the scale of displacement in and around the city has surged dramatically in recent weeks.

IOM Data and Growing Security Risks

The IOM reported that 99,128 people have been displaced from El Fasher and nearby villages since October 26. The organization emphasized that the figures are based on preliminary assessments and may fluctuate due to the volatile security situation and rapidly changing patterns of movement.
Field teams have warned of “serious security concerns” along main routes, restricting movement and complicating humanitarian access. According to IOM, the overall security environment remains tense and unstable, with displacement continuing on a large scale.

Escalating Conflict and RSF Abuses in Darfur

Sudan has been engulfed in violent conflict since April 15, 2023, when fighting erupted between the national army and the foreign-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF). El Fasher, the largest city in Darfur, has largely fallen under RSF control following months of battles.
Thousands fleeing the city have described RSF fighters forcibly expelling civilians, as well as reports of killings and torture targeting unarmed residents—acts that have appeared in videos shared by RSF members themselves.