El Fasher's 500-Day Siege: A City Held Hostage by Hunger and War

A Donkey Cart Out of El Fasher Costs More Than a New Car: How 500 Days Under Siege is Tearing the City Apart For nearly 17 months, since May 2024, El Fasher, North Darfur's capital, has been trapped in one of the longest urban sieges of modern warfare. The city's residents have faced starvation, blockade, and bombardment, with scant hope of relief. The siege, progressively tightened by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has transformed the city. Trenches cut through neighborhoods, and civilians move block by block, forced to navigate a maze of makeshift barriers and checkpoints. "It's like living in a war zone," said Fatima Ahmed, a local resident who has lost count of how many times she has been displaced within the city. A donkey cart, which can cost up to $5,000, is now a luxury item that few can afford. The price of basic necessities such as food and water has skyrocketed, making it difficult for families to survive. "I have not seen my children eat a full meal in months," said Ahmed's neighbor, Amira Hassan. The siege has also had a devastating impact on the city's infrastructure. Hospitals are overcrowded, and medical supplies are scarce. The lack of aid has been particularly cruel, as the RSF has blocked all humanitarian assistance from entering the city since May. According to local activists, the RSF's actions are part of a broader strategy to control the region and suppress opposition. "The siege is not just about war; it's also about politics," said Mohamed Ali, a human rights activist who has been documenting the situation in El Fasher. As the siege enters its 500th day, residents are struggling to cope with the psychological toll of living under constant bombardment. "We have lost all sense of normalcy," said Ahmed. "We just want peace and stability." The international community has been criticized for its slow response to the crisis in El Fasher. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire, but so far, there is no sign of relief on the horizon. As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents are bracing themselves for the worst. "We will never, ever escape," said Hassan, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the city. The siege of El Fasher has become a symbol of the devastating consequences of war and the failure of international intervention. Background: El Fasher is the capital of North Darfur, one of the five states that make up Sudan's Darfur region. The conflict in Darfur began in 2003, when rebels took up arms against the government, citing marginalization and neglect. Since then, the RSF has been accused of committing atrocities, including mass killings, rape, and forced displacement. Additional Perspectives: "The siege is a war crime," said Dr. Amira Abdalla, a medical doctor who has worked in El Fasher for over 10 years. "We need an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to save the lives of our people." "The international community must take action to stop this senseless slaughter," said Ahmed Adam, a local politician who has been advocating for peace in Darfur. Current Status: As the siege enters its 500th day, residents are facing unimaginable hardships. The city is on the brink of collapse, and the humanitarian situation is dire. The international community must act quickly to prevent further suffering and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. Next Developments: The United Nations has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis in El Fasher. Humanitarian organizations are calling for an immediate ceasefire and increased access to aid. As the situation continues to unfold, residents of El Fasher remain hopeful that one day, they will be able to rebuild their lives and live in peace. *Reporting by Theguardian.*