El Fasher, Sudan – July 2025

Human rights organizations and local sources have raised the alarm over the deteriorating security situation in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s troubled Darfur region. Reports indicate that civilians are increasingly at risk of mass killings as armed clashes intensify.

The conflict, rooted in long-standing ethnic and political tensions, has escalated in recent weeks, with multiple incidents of violence targeting villages and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Witnesses describe scenes of chaos, destruction, and widespread fear.

“We are terrified. Families are being torn apart. The violence is spreading fast and there is little protection for innocent people,” said a displaced resident, requesting anonymity for safety reasons.

The United Nations and African Union have condemned the violence and called for an immediate ceasefire and access for humanitarian aid. However, aid agencies warn that access is severely restricted by ongoing fighting and bureaucratic obstacles.

Sudan’s transitional government has pledged to restore order but faces criticism for failing to control militias implicated in the violence. Meanwhile, local peace initiatives struggle to gain traction amid the escalating hostilities.

The crisis threatens to trigger a new wave of displacement, with thousands already fleeing to refugee camps near the border with Chad and Central African Republic.

International actors are urging urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further bloodshed and protect civilians, but the situation remains volatile.

“El Fasher stands on a precipice,” said a UN humanitarian spokesperson. “Without swift action, the consequences will be catastrophic.”

The ongoing violence in Darfur is a stark reminder of Sudan’s fragile peace and the urgent need for sustained international engagement.