Thousands of civilians are fleeing their homes in Sudan as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensify their advance eastwards following widespread atrocities in Darfur. The militia’s recent offensive on El-Fasher, the last major city held by government forces in the region, has triggered a mass exodus and deepened an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, has reportedly amassed troops near El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan. Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces are preparing for a decisive battle over control of the city. The conflict has already displaced tens of thousands, with reports indicating that over 36,000 people fled North Kordofan in just one week. In South Kordofan, hundreds more have been forced to leave their homes as violence spreads.
The humanitarian situation across Sudan continues to deteriorate. Tens of thousands of civilians trapped in El-Fasher are facing starvation, and thousands more are missing after attempting to flee the besieged city. Survivors have recounted horrifying scenes, including mass executions, torture, and sexual violence committed by RSF fighters. Bodies are said to litter the streets, while many families are still searching for missing relatives.
Famine has now been confirmed in El-Fasher and Kadugli in South Kordofan, with more than 20 additional areas in Darfur and Kordofan at risk of slipping into famine conditions. Humanitarian agencies estimate that 375,000 people are already living in famine, while over 6 million face extreme hunger nationwide. Without a ceasefire and safe humanitarian corridors, experts warn that thousands more could die from starvation and disease.
The conflict has driven a growing number of people to Northern State, where many displaced families have taken refuge in Al-Dabbah. Some, fearing that the violence may spread, are preparing to move yet again. Refugees have described seeing widespread killings and indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the RSF. Prosecutors are gathering evidence of atrocities in El-Fasher and across Darfur, including ethnically targeted attacks, rape used as a weapon of war, and assaults on medical facilities. The violence, which has devastated Sudan since the collapse of peace efforts, continues to spread, pushing the country deeper into chaos and humanitarian disaster.
