The International Organization for Migration reported on Sunday that over 328,000 people have been displaced from Al Fasher in North Darfur, Western Sudan, due to fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the past three months.
The organization, in a statement, noted that the Displacement Tracking Matrix in Sudan has monitored the ongoing escalation in clashes between the armed forces and the RSF across various locations in Al Fasher. Since April 1, 2024, until June 30, approximately 328,981 individuals have been reported displaced from Al Fasher, although their destinations were not specified.
The statement also highlighted that during June, field teams from the Displacement Tracking Matrix reported an increase in displacement to locations south of Al Fasher, as well as to other states in Sudan. In June alone, the field teams reported 10 conflict incidents across North Darfur, resulting in the displacement of approximately 159,325 individuals.
Since May 10, Al Fasher has witnessed clashes between the army and the RSF, despite international warnings about the battles in the city, which serves as the humanitarian operations hub for all Darfur states (West).
Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (Hemedti), have been engaged in a war that has resulted in about 15,000 deaths and approximately 10 million displaced and refugees, according to the United Nations.
The increase in calls from the UN and international community aims to spare Sudan from a humanitarian catastrophe that could push millions into famine and death due to food shortages caused by the fighting that has spread to 12 of the country’s 18 states.
Recent developments in Sudan’s ongoing conflict reveal a deepening crisis, with significant military and humanitarian implications. The fighting has intensified in regions, leading to massive displacements and a severe humanitarian crisis. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have reportedly gained territory, pushing the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) out of several bases in Darfur and now threatening major towns like El Fasher.
Internationally, there’s increasing concern over the atrocities committed, including widespread use of sexual violence and recruitment of children by the conflicting parties. The United Nations and other international bodies are calling for a ceasefire and are heavily involved in mediation efforts. The conflict has not only caused extensive damage and loss of life but also displaced millions, worsening Sudan’s already dire humanitarian situation
