In El Fasher, the historical capital of Darfur’s western region, a deadly attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed the lives of at least eight people, including women and children. The assault targeted a mosque where volunteers handed out meals to displaced residents amid the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. Eyewitness accounts describe a drone operated by the RSF unleashing several projectiles on the Tijaniya mosque, killing eight civilians and wounding eighteen. The site had become a daily destination for those seeking food and relief, underscoring the humanitarian crisis in the city.”
Local medical officials confirmed the casualty figure and stressed that the mosque served as a crucial food hub for civilians in need. The incident highlights the perils faced by civilians caught in hostilities as aid networks struggle to reach affected communities across Darfur and beyond. In the weeks following the attack, multiple social initiatives in El Fasher have continued to provide essential nourishment to residents remaining in the city, despite an ongoing siege that has hindered the delivery of food and medicines. These efforts, often led by local volunteers and humanitarian groups, reflect the resilience of communities trying to weather the siege and maintain access to basic necessities.”
The conflict has also been marked by clashes along ethnic lines. In the northern Darfur region, reports indicate that at least eleven people died and herds were looted in a spate of violence, with local militias accused of receiving support from the RSF. The situation underscores the broader pattern of violence in Darfur, where armed groups and paramilitary forces exploit instability to advance strategic aims while civilians bear the brunt of the consequences. As the fighting continues, questions about accountability and protection for civilians remain urgent for humanitarian agencies and regional observers alike.”
On the same day, authorities and RSF fighters exchanged accusations over the destruction of a bridge in Khartoum, the capital. The General Command of the Sudanese Armed Forces stated that the rebels had damaged a significant portion of the eastern Halfaya Bridge, compromising the concrete structure after a campaign of attacks on national infrastructure. In response, RSF representatives labeled the incident as a terrorist sabotage and urged the international community to monitor and document alleged war crimes. The exchange illustrates the high-stakes struggle over critical infrastructure and the ongoing rhetoric that accompanies it, which often deepens international concern about the humanitarian impact of the conflict.”
Ceasefire calls gained momentum when the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, urged an immediate halt to hostilities in Sudan. He emphasized the danger of famine driven by the civil war that reignited in 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The ongoing violence has left thousands dead and more than ten million displaced, according to the latest assessments. Borrell described the deteriorating situation as shocking and urged a ceasefire to stop the collapse of food systems and the disruption of medical relief. The message came across social media, highlighting the EU’s insistence on a measured, humanitarian-focused response to the crisis.”
Analysts note that the roots of the current crisis trace back to tensions over integrating the RSF, now widely labeled a terrorist organization, into the Sudanese military framework. The breakdown of the transitional arrangements that began after the 2019 ousting of Omar al-Bashir intensified in 2023, leading to a deepening cycle of violence. The conflict has collapsed essential services and impeded humanitarian access, situating Sudan among the most precarious humanitarian situations in the world. Observers warn that without a durable ceasefire and a clear path to inclusive political settlement, civilians will continue to bear the heaviest burdens of the fighting. Market and humanitarian partners stress the need for uninterrupted aid convoys, safe corridors for relief, and robust monitoring to document abuses and protect civilians in vulnerable areas. This situation remains fluid, with new developments shaping the daily realities of people living through the conflict and international responses aiming to end the suffering.”