El-Fasher RSF Massacre Civilians Flee Deadly Attacks

Thousands of civilians flee El-Fasher as RSF troops carry out deadly attacks, leaving hundreds dead and sparking a humanitarian crisis in Darfur El-Fasher RSF Massacre.

Thousands of civilians remain trapped in Sudan’s El-Fasher, hiding from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after the city fell.

Heroic Resistance and the Fall of El-Fasher

Abubakr Ahmed, 29, fought for 550 days as part of a neighborhood “popular resistance” group, protecting El-Fasher from the RSF during Sudan’s ongoing civil war. The group collaborated with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and other aligned forces to defend the city.

El-Fasher, the last major army stronghold in Darfur, fell on October 26, 2025. SAF chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan confirmed that the army surrendered and negotiated a safe exit for its troops to prevent mass civilian casualties. Unfortunately, this left around 250,000 civilians vulnerable to the RSF’s brutal assault.

Narrow Escape Amid Chaos

Ahmed recounted the terrifying final moments: “I was ready to die defending my city. The RSF killed civilians mercilessly, leaving bodies in the streets.”

During the chaotic retreat, Ahmed and a few young fighters managed to fight their way out. He sustained a serious abdominal injury from shrapnel after a nearby rocket-propelled grenade exploded but survived when many others did not.

RSF Violence Sparks Mass Exodus

In just three days following El-Fasher’s capture, reports indicate at least 1,500 people were killed. Local monitors, including Sudan’s Doctors’ Network, confirmed the deaths of 460 patients and their companions at al-Saud hospital. These accounts were verified by the World Health Organization.

Al Jazeera’s Sanad verification unit confirmed multiple videos showing RSF soldiers standing over bodies or executing unarmed men.

The massacre forced more than 33,000 people to flee. Many are now in towns like Tawila and Tine, roughly 60 km away, while tens of thousands remain trapped in the city, hiding from RSF gunmen or attempting the perilous journey through the desert.

Ethnic Tensions Deepen

Most fleeing civilians belong to sedentary “non-Arab” tribes, historically targeted by nomadic “Arab” tribes who dominate the RSF. Survivor Mohammed, who arrived in Tawila on October 28, explained the ethnic divide:

“The majority won’t stay in El-Fasher because they fear the RSF. Arabs and non-Arabs now live separately, out of fear of persecution.”

The ethnic dimension of the conflict adds another layer of danger for civilians, with many fleeing without food, water, or their loved ones.

Humanitarian Crisis Escalates

Humanitarian organizations warn that the situation in Darfur is worsening, with thousands in need of urgent medical care, shelter, and food. The international community continues to monitor the crisis, but access to El-Fasher remains limited due to ongoing security threats.

Conclusion

The fall of El-Fasher marks a devastating chapter in Sudan’s civil war. Stories like Abubakr Ahmed’s highlight both the bravery of local fighters and the extreme vulnerability of civilians caught in the crossfire. As tens of thousands flee or hide, the city faces an unfolding humanitarian disaster, with no immediate relief in sight.

El-Fasher RSF Massacre