Fierce Battles Rage in Sudan as Army and RSF Clash in Darfur

Intense fighting has erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, with the conflict in Sudan entering its second year. The RSF has deployed thousands of fighters and military vehicles from Chad in preparation for a critical battle to seize control of the historic city.

Why this matters: The escalating violence in Sudan has the potential to destabilize the entire region, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis and putting the lives of millions of civilians at risk. The escalating violence in Sudan has the potential to destabilize the entire region, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis and putting the lives of millions of civilians at risk. A peaceful resolution to the conflict is essential to preventing further bloodshed and ensuring the long-term stability of the region.

The RSF has amassed around 3,000 four-wheel drive vehicles, half of which crossed over from the Chadian border, fitted with light and heavy weaponry intended for the assault on El Fasher. The forces have also set fire to around 12 villages in the Tawila locality and Malit since the end of March, displacing approximately 50,000 citizens who have sought refuge in the city.

The humanitarian situation in El Fasher has deteriorated rapidly, with the RSF targeting water reservoir dams and cutting off the Malit-Fasher supply route, preventing critical food, water, and medical supplies from reaching the city's residents. Over 800,000 civilians, mostly displaced from other parts of Darfur, are now trapped in the city with limited safe exit routes.

The Sudanese military and its allied armed movements are preparing for a decisive battle to prevent the region from slipping out of their control. The military is reinforcing its troops in the Sixth Infantry Division via airdrops and securing advanced defenses within the city. The fate of tens of thousands of civilians hangs in the balance while the warring factions prepare for the impending confrontation.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Sudan'sworkers, who marked International Workers' Day on May 1 amid dire circumstances. The war has destroyed the country's industrial infrastructure, displaced workers, and left them without hope, work, or shelter. Despite the challenges, workers at the Port Sudan harbour have continued to exercise their rights, facilitating the import and export of goods vital to Sudan's economy.

Trade union expert Hashim Ahmed accuses countries and international organizations of igniting and perpetuating the war, stating,"The greatest burden today, Sudan's workers bear the greatest burden of suffering because of the ambitions and attempts of capitalism to seize institutions and their managements and introduce investment projects for their own benefit."

The systematic destruction of industries and infrastructure has left most basic industries in and around Khartoum inoperable, with their staff displaced. Researcher and trade union expert Dr. Siddig El Zailai emphasizes, "There is no alternative to stopping and ending the war so that the wheel of production returns and productive life returns so that workers and all professionals can return to their positions in the front lines of the struggle for stability in a democratic multi-party system."

The battle for El Fasher is imminent, and the international community has expressed grave concerns about the fate of civilians caught in the crossfire. The United Nations has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The escalating violence threatens to further destabilize the region and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

The conflict in Sudan has entered a critical phase, with the battle for El Fasher potentially determining the future course of the war. Fierce clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF put the lives of countless civilians at risk. The international community must redouble its efforts to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict before it spirals further out of control.

Key Takeaways

• Intense fighting erupts in El Fasher, North Darfur, between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• RSF deploys 3,000 fighters and vehicles from Chad, displacing 50,000 civilians and targeting water reservoir dams.
• 800,000 civilians, mostly displaced, are trapped in El Fasher with limited safe exit routes and dwindling supplies.
• The conflict has destroyed Sudan's industrial infrastructure, displacing workers and leaving them without hope or shelter.
• The international community calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access to prevent further destabilization.