What in the World Sudan: What’s happened in el-Fasher?
Nov 5, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Deka Barrow, a BBC Monitoring journalist based in Nairobi, unpacks the troubling developments in El-Fasher, where RSF fighters have overtaken the city from the Sudanese army. He shares insights on the dire humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped and vulnerable. Deka also explains the historical context of the RSF and highlights the strategic importance of Darfur amidst ongoing civil strife. The conversation raises concerns about potential mass violence and explores whether this moment could shift the tides of conflict in Sudan.
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Al-Fashir's Siege Created A Humanitarian Crisis
- Al-Fashir was under RSF siege for about 18 months, isolating civilians and creating a humanitarian crisis.
- The city’s fall to the RSF deepens control over western Sudan and worsens displacement and supply shortages.
Firsthand Account Of Shortages In Al-Fashir
- A civilian trapped in Al-Fashir reports extreme shortages of food, medicines and even gauze.
- They describe using mosquito net fabric to cover wounds and soaring prices for basic supplies.
RSF's Origins And Political Rise
- The RSF traces its roots to the Janjaweed and was formalized in 2013 under Hemeti.
- Its role expanded from fighting rebels to becoming a powerful paramilitary force shaping Darfur politics and conflict.