The conflict in Sudan has reached a critical new stage after a prominent rebel group claimed to have captured El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, marking one of the most significant territorial gains in the ongoing war.

The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur, announced its control of the city following days of intense fighting with government forces. The group’s spokesperson stated that the takeover represents a “turning point in the struggle for freedom and justice,” though Sudanese military officials have denied the claim, saying “battles are ongoing.”

El-Fasher, once a key humanitarian hub and a base for displaced civilians and aid operations, now stands on the frontlines of a worsening crisis. The United Nations and regional observers warn that continued fighting around the city could displace tens of thousands more people and further strain already limited aid corridors in the Darfur region.

Residents have reported widespread destruction and shortages of essential supplies, with power and communication lines disrupted for several days. “Civilians are trapped between warring forces,” said one local aid worker, “and humanitarian access is nearly impossible.”

International organizations, including the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), have called for immediate ceasefire talks. However, mediation efforts remain stalled amid mistrust and competing political interests.

Analysts say El-Fasher’s fall—if confirmed—would mark a symbolic and strategic blow to Sudan’s transitional government, undermining its control over Darfur and potentially shifting the balance of power in favor of armed movements. The city’s location along key trade and supply routes makes it a vital prize in Sudan’s complex and fragmented conflict landscape.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that more than 8 million people have been displaced since fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and various rebel factions in 2023. Aid agencies warn that famine and disease are looming if safe corridors are not restored soon.

As regional powers watch closely, Sudan’s ongoing turmoil continues to test the resilience of international diplomacy and the humanitarian community’s capacity to respond under fire.