The ongoing civil war in Sudan has escalated dramatically, particularly in the city of El Fasher, which has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since May 2023. Once a bustling city of two million, El Fasher is now described as being nearly deserted, with reports indicating that 'barely anyone is left' as the conflict continues to devastate the region [dea41d7c].
As of September 22, 2024, health authorities reported 14 civilian deaths and 40 injuries in a single day due to the fighting. This surge in violence is part of a broader humanitarian crisis that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the world's largest displacement crisis, with estimates of up to 150,000 deaths and over 10 million displaced since the conflict began [dea41d7c].
The RSF has been accused of committing war crimes and engaging in ethnic cleansing, particularly targeting non-Arab populations. The United Nations has expressed alarm over the RSF's full-scale assault on El Fasher and has called for an impartial force to protect civilians in the area. The situation has led to famine conditions in nearby displacement camps, exacerbating the suffering of those who have fled their homes [dea41d7c].
In response to the escalating violence, US President Joe Biden has urged the rival generals to cease hostilities and allow humanitarian access to those in need. The international community is increasingly concerned about the humanitarian implications of the conflict, with calls for urgent action to address the crisis and protect vulnerable populations [dea41d7c].
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has seen the military and RSF engage in brutal fighting, resulting in widespread atrocities and a dire humanitarian situation. The successful defense of El Fasher by the Sudanese military against RSF attacks has been a significant development, but the ongoing violence continues to threaten the lives of civilians and the stability of the region [f1eebd07].
As rival Sudanese political factions engage in reconciliation talks in Cairo, the prospects for peace remain slim. The Democratic Bloc, aligned with the army, has refused to hold joint sessions with the Taqaddum faction, accusing them of sympathizing with the RSF. The ongoing conflict has forced nearly 10 million people from their homes and led to warnings of famine and ethnic-motivated violence [67fce674].
The Geneva meeting organized by the United Nations is crucial for addressing the humanitarian catastrophe and protecting civilians. The meeting aims to stop the war and create a framework for sustainable peace, emphasizing the need for the involvement of civil society groups in negotiations. A ceasefire is urgently needed as fighting escalates and the humanitarian crisis worsens [10c59d00].