The humanitarian situation in Sudan’s El Fasher has sharply worsened, with mass displacement, rising reports of trafficking, and severe restrictions on aid access following the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) takeover of the city.
UN agencies warn that North Darfur and neighbouring Kordofan are experiencing accelerating displacement and escalating protection risks, especially for women and children. Independent human rights experts say the collapse of civilian protection after El Fasher’s fall has dramatically increased threats of sexual violence, exploitation, and child recruitment.
After 18 Months Under Siege
El Fasher, the last major government-held city in Darfur, fell to RSF on 26 October 2025, ending an 18-month siege that choked residents off from food, medical care, and essential supplies.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP):
- Families fleeing the fighting are now dispersed across five major areas, including Tawila.
- Others have reached as far as Dabbah in Northern State and Khartoum.
- Approximately 1,485 metric tons of food and nutrition supplies—enough for 130,000 people—are currently being transported toward Tawila through the Dabbah Crossing.
New Waves of Displacement in Kordofan
Meanwhile, fighting has intensified in both North and South Kordofan:
- South Kordofan: Over 1,800 people displaced in a single day (Tuesday).
- North Kordofan: Nearly 40,000 people displaced between 25 October and 18 November.
Sudan’s conflict, which began in April 2023 with a power struggle between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), has become one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies, marked by famine, mass civilian displacement, and systematic abuses.
Alarming Spike in Trafficking and Sexual Violence
UN-appointed human rights experts say they have received credible reports of:
- Trafficking of women and girls for sexual exploitation
- Sexual slavery in RSF-controlled areas
- Child recruitment, especially boys
- Multiple cases of rape and sexual abuse, including the gang-rape of 25 women near El Fasher University
The experts warn:
“Women and girls have been abducted in RSF-controlled areas, and unaccompanied or separated children are at extreme risk of sexual violence and exploitation.”
Since May 2024, over 470,000 people have been displaced multiple times from camps such as Shagra, Zamzam, and Abu Shouk.
Across Sudan, nearly 12 million people—almost half of them children—are now internally displaced or have fled to neighbouring countries.
Urgent Diplomatic Efforts
The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, will travel to Port Sudan and Addis Ababa next week to renew efforts toward political dialogue. His mission will focus on:
- Civilian protection
- Unhindered humanitarian access
- Stabilizing Darfur and Kordofan
