News

El Fasher News in Western Media

Moatinoon
Western media outlets in the United States and Europe have shown remarkable attention to the recent announcement of the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) takeover of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, earlier this week.

All reports agree that El Fasher represents the army’s last major stronghold in Darfur, and that its fall—or takeover by the RSF—marks a major turning point in the war.

There is growing concern that what is happening in El Fasher is not merely a military battle, but a severe humanitarian siege: food shortages, children suffering from malnutrition, and difficulties in delivering aid.

Media coverage suggests that the RSF’s control over El Fasher could lead to a de facto division of Sudan or a significant shift in the balance of power in Darfur.

There have been strong international calls to prevent humanitarian catastrophe and potential war crimes, along with demands for the opening of safe corridors, the evacuation of civilians, and urgent relief operations.

United States
In The Washington Post, it was reported that the RSF had entered El Fasher and seized the army’s headquarters there — a development described as a pivotal moment in Sudan’s civil war.

The report indicated that controlling El Fasher would allow the RSF to establish logistical links with Libya, raising fears among observers of a “de facto partition” of Sudan.

Earlier, the Associated Press (AP) quoted the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations warning of a potential “massacre” in El Fasher should the city fall completely to the RSF.

The American narrative focuses on concerns that the situation may evolve into a full-blown humanitarian disaster, and that RSF dominance over all of Darfur could destabilize the wider region.

United Kingdom
The British Foreign Office issued a statement on August 13, 2025, noting “horrific reports” emerging from El Fasher about the RSF siege and the lack of escape routes from the city—putting hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk of hunger and disease.

The Guardian highlighted “serious concerns” about the situation in El Fasher, describing civilians as “trapped, hungry, without medical care or safe shelter.”

A Guardian investigation revealed documents submitted to the UN Security Council showing that British-made military equipment had been found on Sudanese battlefields and used by RSF forces accused of committing genocide.

British coverage has focused heavily on the humanitarian aspect—siege, possible famine, and violations of international humanitarian law—while urging all parties to facilitate humanitarian access and ensure safe civilian evacuations.

Europe
In Le Monde, a French analysis described the advance on El Fasher as “an expansion of the conflict westward into Darfur,” noting that the RSF is employing “scorched-earth tactics” against civilians.

European coverage combines humanitarian concern with emphasis on legal accountability. There is growing anticipation that control of El Fasher could bring about significant geographic and political changes in Sudan, with a strong focus on civilian protection and adherence to international law.