500 Days of Siege: El Fasher's Residents Pay Dearly for Survival

El Fasher Siege Enters 500 Days: A City Torn Apart EL FASHER, NORTH DARFUR - For 500 days, the city of El Fasher has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leaving its residents facing starvation, blockade, and bombardment. The ongoing attacks have transformed the city, with trenches cutting through neighborhoods and civilians forced to move block by block. According to eyewitnesses, a donkey cart out of El Fasher can cost more than a new car, highlighting the desperation and economic hardship faced by the population. "It's like living in a war zone," said Fatima Ahmed, a grandmother who has been displaced multiple times within the city. "We have no food, no water, and no hope." The siege began in May 2024, when the RSF started tightening their grip on the city. Since then, aid has not been allowed into El Fasher, leaving residents to fend for themselves. The situation has become increasingly dire, with reports of widespread hunger and malnutrition. "It's a war of attrition," said Dr. Ammar Abdalla, a local doctor who has been treating patients in makeshift clinics. "The RSF is trying to break the will of the people, but we are not giving up." El Fasher was once a thriving city, with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. However, the siege has taken a devastating toll on the population. Many residents have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring towns or cities. The RSF's actions have been widely criticized by human rights groups and international organizations. "The blockade is a clear violation of humanitarian law," said Sarah Taylor, a spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). "We urge all parties to allow aid into the city immediately." As the siege enters its 500th day, residents are struggling to survive. The situation remains dire, with no end in sight. The international community must act quickly to provide relief and support to those affected. Background: El Fasher is the capital of North Darfur, a region that has been plagued by conflict since 2003. The RSF was formed in 2013 as a paramilitary force loyal to President Omar al-Bashir. Since then, they have been accused of numerous human rights abuses and war crimes. Additional Perspectives: "We are not just fighting for our lives; we are fighting for our dignity," said Ahmed Mohamed, a local activist who has been advocating for the release of aid into the city. "The siege is a form of collective punishment," said Dr. Abdalla. "It's a war crime and must be stopped." Current Status: The situation in El Fasher remains dire, with no end to the siege in sight. The international community must act quickly to provide relief and support to those affected. Next Developments: A UN-led aid convoy is scheduled to arrive in the region next week, but it's unclear if they will be allowed into the city. Human rights groups are calling for an investigation into the RSF's actions and the blockade of El Fasher. *Reporting by Theguardian.*