At least 60 people were killed in a series of drone and artillery strikes by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Dar al-Arqam displacement camp in El Fasher, Sudan. The city has been under siege for over 500 days, exacerbating one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century.
Key Takeaways:
- Location and Impact: The RSF targeted the Dar al-Arqam displacement center in El Fasher, killing at least 60 people, including children and women.
- Conflict Background: The RSF has been engaged in a civil war with the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 2023, with El Fasher being a strategic front.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The siege has left 400,000 residents of El Fasher without adequate food and medical supplies, turning the city into an “open-air morgue”.
- International Response: UN officials have condemned the attacks, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and protection for civilians.
Factual Recap
The Dar al-Arqam displacement camp in El Fasher, Sudan, became the latest target in the ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces. On October 11, 2025, RSF drone and artillery strikes killed at least 60 people, including 14 children and 15 women, according to the Sudan Doctors’ Network . The resistance committee for El Fasher, which coordinates aid and documents abuses, described the incident as a “massacre” and urged international intervention . “Children, women, and the elderly were killed in cold blood, and many were completely burned,” the committee stated .
El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has been under siege by the RSF for more than 500 days. The city, home to 400,000 people, is the last state capital in the region not under RSF control and has become a crucial battleground as the paramilitary group seeks to consolidate power in western Sudan . The UN has labeled the Sudan conflict as one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century, with over 150,000 deaths and more than 14 million displaced .
Mini Timeline
- April 2023: The RSF begins its conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces, marking the start of the civil war.
- August 11, 2025: Reports indicate that El Fasher is under siege, with residents struggling to find food and basic necessities.
- October 9, 2025: The RSF attacks the last functioning hospital in El Fasher, killing 12 people, including patients and health workers.
- October 11, 2025: RSF drone and artillery strikes hit the Dar al-Arqam displacement camp, killing at least 60 people.
The humanitarian situation in El Fasher continues to deteriorate, with international bodies calling for an end to hostilities and immediate aid for the besieged population.
Legal Challenges
The RSF’s actions in El Fasher have raised significant legal challenges, particularly concerning international humanitarian law. The targeting of civilian areas, including displacement camps and hospitals, constitutes a violation of the Geneva Conventions, which protect non-combatants during armed conflicts. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has condemned these acts as “ethnically motivated summary executions” and called for accountability . Legal experts argue that the RSF’s tactics could lead to war crimes charges in international courts.
Political Reactions
The political landscape in Sudan is fraught with tension as the RSF continues its campaign against the Sudanese Armed Forces. The Sudanese government, struggling to maintain control, has called for international assistance to counter the RSF’s advances. However, the international community’s response has been limited, with calls for dialogue and peace overshadowed by the urgency of the humanitarian crisis. The RSF’s actions have also drawn criticism from neighboring countries, which fear the conflict’s spillover effects.
International Impact
The conflict in Sudan, particularly the siege of El Fasher, has significant international implications. The humanitarian crisis has prompted calls for increased international aid and intervention. The UN and various NGOs are working to provide relief to the affected populations, but access remains a significant challenge due to ongoing hostilities. The situation has also strained relations between Sudan and its neighbors, as the influx of refugees into countries like Chad and the Central African Republic continues to grow .
Effects on U.S. Universities
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has reverberated across the globe, affecting academic institutions, including U.S. universities. Many universities have partnerships with Sudanese institutions and host Sudanese students. The conflict has disrupted these academic exchanges and raised concerns about the safety of students and faculty involved in programs related to Sudan. Universities are reassessing their international engagement strategies and providing support to affected students, including mental health resources and financial aid.
Impact on Outsourcing Firms
The instability in Sudan poses risks for outsourcing firms operating in or near the region. Companies that rely on stable supply chains and regional stability are particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by the conflict. The RSF’s use of drones and artillery highlights the growing role of technology in modern warfare, underscoring the importance of secure and reliable tech infrastructure. Outsourcing firms are reevaluating their risk management strategies and considering alternative locations to mitigate potential disruptions.
Discrepancies and Certainties
There are some discrepancies in the reported death tolls from the recent RSF attacks. While the El Fasher resistance committee and France 24 report at least 60 fatalities , the Sudan Doctors’ Network provides a slightly lower figure of 53, including specific counts of children and women . Despite these differences, all sources agree on the severity of the attacks and the dire humanitarian situation in El Fasher.
FAQ
What is the RSF, and why are they fighting?
The RSF, or Rapid Support Forces, is a paramilitary group that evolved from the Janjaweed militias. They are fighting against the Sudanese Armed Forces for control over strategic regions, particularly in Darfur, where they have intensified their assaults to consolidate power .
How has the international community responded?
The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned the RSF’s actions. The UN has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and emphasized the need for humanitarian access to affected areas .
What are the humanitarian implications of the conflict?
The conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and in need of urgent aid. The siege of El Fasher has led to acute food shortages and the collapse of essential services .
How does this conflict affect global markets?
While the conflict primarily affects Sudan and its immediate neighbors, the instability can have broader implications for global markets, particularly in sectors reliant on stable supply chains and regional stability.
Sources
theguardian.com
france24.com
lemonde.fr
news.un.org
