In brief
Sudan's military chief announced the army's strategic withdrawal from El-Fasher, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing civil conflict. The RSF's control over the city raises concerns about civilian safety and humanitarian crises in the region as the UN warns of escalating atrocities.
Sudan's military chief has confirmed the army's withdrawal from its last western stronghold of El-Fasher after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared control of the city.
In a televised address, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan stated that he had approved the withdrawal in response to the systematic destruction and killing of civilians.
He agreed with local leaders to leave and go to a safe place to protect the remaining citizens and the rest of the city from destruction.
The UN has raised the alarm over reports of atrocities committed by the RSF and has called for safe passage for trapped civilians.
The RSF has denied accusations of harming civilians.
The fall of El-Fasher is viewed as a significant turning point in Sudan's civil war, which has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced almost 12 million people since April 2023.
The RSF's capture of El-Fasher gives them control over all five state capitals in Darfur, further consolidating their efforts in the region.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his grave concern about the situation and condemned reported violations of international humanitarian law. He highlighted the 18-month siege as an epicenter of suffering, leading to malnutrition, disease, and violence.
The UN Human Rights Office has warned of increasing ethnically motivated violations in El-Fasher, calling for states with influence to act against these atrocities.
In his address, Gen Burhan criticized the international community's inaction to halt the violence and vowed to fight until all land is reclaimed, declaring, We can turn the tables every time, and we can return every land desecrated by these traitors to the nation's fold.
El-Fasher had been the army's last foothold in the vast western region of Darfur, enduring a severe siege since May last year which led to critical food shortages for its population.
