The United Nations has warned that civilians in El Fasher, in western Sudan, are living in “shocking,” degrading, and unsafe conditions, following months of conflict and a prolonged siege.
Speaking on Monday after returning from El Fasher, Denise Brown, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, described the situation as deeply alarming. In a video interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP), Brown said residents are struggling to survive amid extreme shortages and insecurity.
A mission from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) was able to enter El Fasher on Friday for the first time in two months, following what Brown described as “difficult negotiations.” The city had fallen under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after intense fighting.
“These people are living in extremely fragile conditions,” Brown said. “Some are sheltering in abandoned buildings, while others are living in makeshift shelters with plastic sheets, without sanitation facilities or access to water. These are degrading and unsafe conditions for civilians.”
Reports of Sexual Violence
Earlier, Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath that civilians in El Fasher had fled sexual violence and physical assaults.
Fletcher stressed that women have been used as a weapon of war in Sudan, warning that the humanitarian crisis will continue to worsen if attacks against civilians do not stop.
Last month (November 2025), the Sudanese Doctors Network reported approximately 32 confirmed rape cases in El Fasher within a single week, involving young girls.
Siege, Takeover, and Alleged Atrocities
After 18 months of siege, the Rapid Support Forces seized control of El Fasher—previously the last major stronghold of the Sudanese army in Darfur—on October 26.
Following the takeover, the United Nations reported mass killings, sexual violence, looting, and large-scale displacement of civilians.
Numerous eyewitness accounts, supported by videos published by RSF fighters on social media, described “atrocities in a city completely cut off from communications,” according to AFP.
While the Rapid Support Forces have denied committing war crimes, they acknowledged that individual violations may have occurred, stating that investigations had been opened to hold those responsible accountable.
The humanitarian situation in El Fasher remains critical, with international agencies warning of further deterioration unless access, protection, and accountability are ensured.
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