El Fasher, September 28 (Darfur24)
El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, is witnessing daily waves of displacement as ongoing fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) deepens the humanitarian crisis.
Darfur24 correspondents reported on Saturday that dozens of families, mostly women, children, and the elderly, have been fleeing the city on foot or by donkey carts, unable to afford other means of transport.
Halima Yaqoub, a displaced resident of Abu Shouk camp, said her family fled after RSF fighters stormed the camp in early September.
“The unstable security situation and poor living conditions forced us to flee again,” she said, noting that many are heading toward Tawila and Korma despite reports of insecurity along the road.
Residents described worsening living conditions in El Fasher.
Yahya Ibrahim, from Abu Shouk neighborhood, said, “The city has become unsafe due to daily clashes and shelling. Necessities, especially water, are scarce, and prices have skyrocketed.”
Another resident, Hafiza Ismail, said citizens are dying “either from artillery shelling or from hunger and thirst,” stressing that leaving the city has become the only option.
Since last August, the RSF has advanced into several areas of El Fasher, including Abu Shouk camp, while artillery and drone strikes have continued since May 2024. The conflict has destroyed most water sources and left 95% of hospitals non-functional.
The RSF has maintained a siege on El Fasher since April last year in its bid to seize the army’s last stronghold in Darfur.