250,000 civilians trapped in El Fasher as RSF claim control

“The situation in Sudan is tragic.”

Across the weekend, heavy fighting intensified in El Fasher, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seizing control of the city. Since then, more than 1,500 civilians have been killed. We have spoken to Adeela, one of our Sudanese partners, who have shared just how terrible the escalation in fighting is.

With the RSF blocking routes to exit the city, over 250,000 people are currently trapped. As intense shelling and ground assaults continue, there have been reports of the RSF killing civilians as they try to escape.

For the past 18 months, El Fasher has been cut off from food, aid and medicine with a famine being declared in August 2024 (UN). Since a deadly escalation in fighting in April 2023, both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been accused of committing war crimes, with the UN high commissioner for human rights, saying the “risk of further large-scale, ethnically motivated violations and atrocities in El Fasher is mounting by the day.”

The impact on local peacebuilders

As communication is almost entirely blocked in El Fasher, our partners are doing all they can to remain a lifeline for those trapped in the city and to keep the world’s eyes on Sudan.

“Saving lives in El Fasher is a humanitarian and moral imperative that cannot be delayed or constrained.” Adeela, ‘Nothing to Say’

Last month Adeela shared how international aid cuts have left thousands of people with no access to support, leaving peacebuilders as “the only trusted and accessible sources of support within communities.” Recent events in El Fasher only further highlight the need to directly support local peacebuilders.

The escalating situation is devastating. Despite Sudan facing the world’s ‘most severe’ humanitarian crisis (UN), it has received little to no media attention. Following the lead of our partners in Sudan, we call for an immediate ceasefire to allow safe passage for all civilians, and unimpeded access to food, medicine and support.

“It is time for long-overdue action to save lives. We call on human rights organisations, humanitarian institutions, professionals, activists, and concerned individuals worldwide to join us and endorse this urgent appeal.” Adeela, ‘Nothing to Say’

Take action

Donate to support local peacebuilders in Sudan and beyond.
Share our update on social media to keep eyes on Sudan.
Explore Adeela’s campaign, ‘A cry from the besieged cities in Sudan.’