The occupation of Al-Fasher  by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, with dire humanitarian consequences. Tens of thousands of women, men, children and the elderly are fleeing the violence tearing West Darfur apart. Clashes between the army and the RSF since 15 April 2023 have plunged the country into conflict and exacerbated an already significant humanitarian crisis.

Approximately 71,000 people have been displaced in El-Fasher and neighbouring villages within a week, between 26 October and 2 November, after the RSF seized control of the capital of North Darfur. About 8,600 people were forced to flee the city due to fighting between 1 and 2 November 2025 .

Reuters reports that the RSF’s seizure of power has displaced between 60,000 and 80,000 households — up to 400,000 people — from the Zamzam camp in North Darfur. UNICEF estimates that at least 600,000 people have been displaced in recent months, half of whom are children. It is believed that around 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, remain trapped in the city, having been deprived of aid for over 16 months.

The United Nations traces the origins of the conflict back to a civil war between the national armed forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti). The war emerged from a power struggle between these two influential figures within the regime and has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced, plunging Sudan into one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises.

According to AA.com, citing IOM, more than 7,400 people were displaced in El Fasher in a single day due to attacks by the RSF.