Residents of El Fasher in North Darfur and villages in Sudan’s White Nile state are fleeing their homes due to intensifying clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have escalated attacks on urban and rural areas. The RSF’s ongoing assault on El Fasher aims to capture one of the last major urban strongholds in North Darfur, leading to widespread displacement, while recent RSF incursions into White Nile villages have prompted further evacuations. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported the displacement of hundreds of families due to the conflict, and satellite imagery suggests RSF forces are advancing on critical areas, raising fears of mass casualties and human rights abuses.
The RSF launched attacks on El Fasher beginning May 10, with ongoing clashes intensifying in recent days, causing large-scale displacement. As fighting spread to various parts of El Fasher, around 350 families were forced to flee between November 7 and 9, seeking refuge within North Darfur and across the border in Chad. Additional reports indicate that 416 families recently escaped to areas controlled by the Sudan Liberation Movement.
Simultaneously, the RSF has conducted raids in White Nile state, targeting villages near Ed Dueim. Witnesses reported hit-and-run tactics, with RSF forces looting and intimidating residents before retreating. Social media posts from White Nile residents express growing concern over the RSF’s tactics, as many families evacuate vulnerable rural areas to escape violence.
