Economist Podcasts Capital gained: a grim turn in Darfur
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Nov 3, 2025 
John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent for The Economist, shares chilling updates from Darfur, detailing the capture of El Fasher by paramilitary forces and the rise in reported atrocities. Colm Williams, Senior economics writer, discusses how generative AI can empower consumers by closing the information gap in various industries, potentially ending the 'rip-off economy'. Catherine Nixey, Culture correspondent, reflects on the historical significance of questionnaires and their decline in modern society, exploring implications for understanding human experience.
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El Fasher Seized After Long Siege
- The Rapid Support Forces seized El Fasher after an 18-month siege causing mass displacement and alleged massacres.
- Satellite images, phone videos and eyewitness accounts point to summary executions and large-scale civilian killings.
RSF Seeks Power Beyond Darfur
- The RSF aims for national relevance beyond controlling Darfur and may use territorial gains as leverage in negotiations.
- Neither the RSF nor the SAF looks likely to win decisively, implying a future political settlement after heavy losses.
Muted Global Response Compared To 2000s
- The international response to Darfur's latest atrocities is muted compared with two decades ago, despite clear evidence of mass killing.
- John McDermott warns that global attention is fragmented and collective action is lacking.