Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has announced that it has seized control of el-Fasher, a key city in the west of the country, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing civil conflict.
In a statement released on social media, the RSF claimed it had liberated el-Fasher “from the grip of mercenaries and militias allied with the terrorist army.”
Should this claim be accurate, the loss of el-Fasher would represent a significant setback for the Sudanese army, as it is the army’s last remaining stronghold in the Darfur region. This would effectively grant the RSF control over the entire area. The army has not yet issued an official response.
The announcement follows reports that the RSF captured the army’s 6th Division Headquarters, reportedly destroying “huge military vehicles” and seizing military equipment.
BBC Verify has independently verified the authenticity of video footage circulating online, confirming the presence of RSF fighters inside the army base.
Local pro-army fighters, known as the Popular Resistance, have accused the RSF of engaging in a “media disinformation campaign” intended to undermine the “high morale of the forces.”
El-Fasher has been under siege by the RSF for the past 18 months, with army positions and civilian areas subjected to frequent bombardment. An estimated 300,000 people are believed to be trapped within the city due to the ongoing fighting.
Satellite imagery from August showed the construction of extensive earthen walls around the city, reportedly aimed at confining the population.
For weeks, the RSF has been steadily advancing towards the 6th Infantry Division command, widely considered the army headquarters in the city, from multiple directions.
While some areas of el-Fasher remain under the control of the army and allied armed groups, their ability to maintain their positions in the long term is uncertain.
The city is facing a dire humanitarian situation, with widespread hunger and disease as residents grapple with constant bombardment and dwindling supplies of food and medicine.
UN investigators have previously accused the RSF of committing numerous crimes against humanity during the siege. The United States has gone further, accusing the RSF of genocide against Darfur’s non-Arab population.
Sudan has been gripped by a violent conflict since 2023, sparked by a power struggle between the leaders of the RSF and the Sudanese army.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 150,000 people and displaced approximately 12 million, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
The army maintains control over much of northern and eastern Sudan. El-Fasher was, until recently, the last major urban center in Darfur still held by government forces and their allies.
The RSF currently controls almost all of Darfur and a significant portion of the neighboring Kordofan region.
The RSF has previously indicated its intention to establish a rival government in el-Fasher once it achieves full control of the city.
Additional reporting by Peter Mwai
Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Andry Rajoelina, who was removed from power in a coup last week, had already acquired French nationality.
The false belief that body parts of people with albinism bring wealth or luck have driven attacks.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary says he won the election and is not concerned about being arrested or put in jail.
Cameroon opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary is adamant that he’s the winner of the presidential election.
Their neighbours, who raise livestock, told the family to get rid of the wild animal.