UN sounds alarm as Sudan’s RSF claims El-Fasher army base, trapping 250,000 civilians

The United Nations has urgently called for safe passage for civilians trapped in Sudan’s El-Fasher after paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters claimed to have seized the city’s main army base, the last government stronghold in North Darfur.

In a statement on Monday, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned of civilian casualties and displacement, describing the latest clashes as a “terrible escalation” in Sudan’s civil war, with civilians facing “unbearable” suffering.

“With fighters pushing further into the city and escape routes cut off, hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped and terrified – shelled, starving, and without access to food, healthcare, or safety,” he said.

Fletcher called for immediate humanitarian access and safe passage for civilians.

“Ceasefire now, in El-Fasher, in Darfur and throughout Sudan. Civilians must be allowed safe passage and be able to access aid. Those fleeing to safer areas must be able to do so safely and in dignity,” he said, emphasising that attacks on hospitals, civilians, and humanitarian operations must stop immediately.

Under siege for 18 months

El-Fasher has been under siege by the RSF and allied forces for 18 months. Social media videos verified by the BBC show RSF fighters celebrating what they describe as full control of the city’s 6th Division headquarters. However, the Sudanese army and local allies maintain that fighting continues in parts of the city.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking Monday in Kuala Lumpur during an ASEAN summit, urged the international community to pressure countries supplying weapons to the conflict, warning that foreign interference is undermining peace efforts.

The RSF hailed the seizure of the army base as a decisive victory.

“Today, Sunday, October 26, 2025, the valiant heroes of the Rapid Support Forces have inscribed a new victory…breaking the backbone of the Army of the Islamic Movement terrorists and the mercenary hireling movements by taking full control of this strategic military division,” the group said in a statement.

The paramilitary force claimed its fighters inflicted heavy losses on the army, destroying equipment and killing thousands of soldiers. It added that it would continue its campaign until it defeats what it called “the remnants of the Islamic Movement” and establishes a “New Sudan founded on the principles of freedom, justice and equality.”

The RSF also said it would cooperate with local authorities under the so-called “Tasis government” to protect civilians and restore services.

Sudan’s army has not confirmed the RSF’s claims. Information Minister Khaled al-Aisir dismissed the announcement as “psychological warfare,” saying the rebellion has collapsed and been defeated in several locations.

Minni Minnawi, Darfur governor allied with the army, also called for civilian protection and an independent investigation into alleged RSF violations.

Encircled by RSF forces

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El-Fasher is home to nearly 250,000 civilians, many of whom are encircled by RSF forces and facing starvation amid shelling, hunger, and disease. Earlier this month, MedGlobal reported that thousands remain trapped, describing the city as “on the brink of collapse” after a 500-day siege.

Since April 2023, fighting between Sudanese government forces and the RSF has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, leaving roughly 30 million people in need of aid, according to UN estimates.

The RSF already controls most of Darfur and parts of Kordofan, while the army holds northern and eastern regions, making El-Fasher a strategic battleground in the ongoing civil war.