El Fasher is a major city in Darfur, a region that was once known for genocide. Currently, the city is facing another crisis as fighters have set fire to thousands of homes, forcing residents to flee. The ongoing civil war in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, millions of displaced people, and a looming famine, creating a massive humanitarian crisis. El Fasher, with a population of 1.8 million, is now at the center of the conflict. If the city falls, officials warn of a potential massacre. The Rapid Support Forces, successors to the Janjaweed militias that committed atrocities in Darfur in the 2000s, are battling Sudan’s military for control of the country. The U.N. Security Council has called for the siege of El Fasher to stop, but satellite imagery and videos indicate that the assault is escalating. Aid to the city is limited due to restrictions imposed by both sides, leaving residents in desperate need. Displaced people are fleeing to other parts of Darfur, facing long and dangerous journeys. The situation is dire, with fears of a large-scale massacre looming. International observers warn that genocide could occur again, as ethnic tensions continue to drive violence in the region. The city of El Fasher, under siege and facing severe shortages of food and medicine, is a critical point for relief efforts in a region on the brink of famine. The crisis is exacerbated by a lack of funding, with the U.N. emergency appeal falling short of its target. Commanders of the Rapid Support Forces, including those sanctioned for their roles in violence against civilians, are leading the fight for El Fasher. The presence of these commanders in videos of attacks on civilians could be crucial evidence for future trials related to crimes in Darfur.
