In a dramatic escalation of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a fierce assault on the North Darfur city of el-Fasher, just hours after ceasefire negotiations in Washington collapsed. The RSF’s incursion into the city, which has been under siege for over 500 days, has raised alarm over potential widespread killings and human rights abuses. The group claims to have taken control of the city, marking what it describes as a “decisive turning point” in its struggle against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The attack came despite hopes that U.S.-sponsored talks, involving the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, could broker a breakthrough. However, diplomatic sources revealed that the UAE, a key RSF supporter, refused to address the dire situation in el-Fasher, where hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped. The RSF’s recent gains follow months of setbacks against the SAF, which has yet to comment on the latest developments.
Local fighters and activists reported intense combat, with the RSF employing heavy firepower to breach the city’s defenses. “Serious fighting has erupted, with both sides using drones and other advanced weaponry,” said one fighter, who spoke anonymously for security reasons. While the RSF has seized key positions, including the Sixth Infantry base, resistance forces claim to have regrouped in northern neighborhoods, where fighting continues.
The collapse of the Washington talks has further complicated efforts to resolve the two-year conflict. The UAE’s involvement was a contentious issue, with the SAF delegation accusing it of fueling the RSF’s campaign. Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohi al-Din Salem declared that any future dealings with the UAE would be as an “enemy, not a mediator.”
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Massad Boulos attempted to salvage the negotiations by proposing a Joint Operational Committee to address urgent priorities. However, as reports of the RSF’s assault emerged, Boulos called on the group to protect civilians, emphasizing that “the world is watching with deep concern.”
The humanitarian situation in el-Fasher remains dire, with the RSF accused of blocking aid and perpetrating massacres in displacement camps. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene as the crisis deepens.