Poverty and Insecurity in Sudan; Al-Fashir Faces an Uncertain Fate

According to KOKCHANEWS on Monday, quoting Al-Jazeera: After more than 600 days that the city of Al-Fashir was under siege of death and hunger, the Rapid Support Forces announced on Sunday that they had taken control of the army headquarters in Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur state; this was the last important city in the region where the Sudanese army was still present.

The city of Al-Fashir is shrouded in a deep haze of ambiguity and an uncertain fate. This city, which in the not too distant past was known as a vital highway and gateway of Darfur to the world, has today become “Sudan’s gateway to hell.”

Anyone who survives direct attacks in this area is at constant risk of violence, rape, and the increasing threat of a ruthless civil war. Al-Fashir has been “slowly dying” for more than 600 days; a story that is not merely a collection of separate events, but a single epic whose historical roots extend from the 15th century to the present.

History of Al-Fashir

In the heart of Darfur in western Sudan, the Al-For region was formed, which was one of the three major and decisive kingdoms in shaping the civilizational identity of ancient Sudan (the other two kingdoms were the Fung region in Sennar in the east and the Tagali region in the Nuba Mountains in the south).

Al-Fashir, historically known as “Fashir al-Sultan” (the capital of the Sultan), was the center and heart of this vast kingdom and represented the rich cultural and civilizational heritage of Darfur. The name Al-Fashir (the meeting place) refers to the ancient tradition of sultans gathering people to consult on government affairs. In addition, its geographical location had made Al-Fashir one of the most important commercial centers in the region, connecting Darfur to the markets of Libya, Egypt, and West Africa. But with the arrival of British colonialism and then the formation of the new Sudanese government, the historical role of the city diminished. In recent decades, ethnic wars, poverty, and power struggles between Arab and African tribes have turned Darfur into a field of violence—and Al-Fashir has been at the center of this crisis.

The city is now in a critical and ambiguous situation. After more than 600 days of siege, bombardment, bloody conflicts, and hunger, this once glorious and vibrant city has today become a symbol of destruction and abandonment.

Military and Strategic Importance of Al-Fashir

For the Sudanese army, Al-Fashir is the last major base in the west of the country; losing it would mean a complete withdrawal from Darfur.

For the Rapid Support Forces, commanded by “Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)”, victory in this city brings historical and tribal legitimacy and strengthens their position in any future political negotiations. For this reason, Al-Fashir is not only a military battlefield, but also the “grand prize” of the battle between the army and Hemedti’s forces. Whichever group holds Al-Fashir controls Darfur.

Falling in the Shadow of Silence

After months of heavy fighting, reports indicate that the Sudanese army has withdrawn from most parts of the city and the remaining garrisons are completely surrounded.

In contrast, the “Rapid Support” forces have taken control of government buildings, the airport, and key centers. But with this victory, a new nightmare has begun: many residents have been driven from their homes, and scenes of looting, kidnapping, and rape are reported in the southern and western neighborhoods of the city. In some areas, telephone and internet communications have been cut off and there is no independent body to monitor the situation.

Unprecedented Humanitarian Crisis

The city is practically isolated from the outside world. Land routes have been closed and no humanitarian aid can reach it. Food is rarely found; people use dried seeds, tree leaves, and even animal grass to survive. Drinking water is contaminated and diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and malnutrition are spreading.

In the few hospitals that are still working, medicine and equipment are almost non-existent. Local doctors speak of performing surgery with the light of a mobile phone. Orphaned children roam the streets, and local armed groups also dominate parts of the city in the absence of government.

Global Reactions

At the international level, concerns are growing. The United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League have spoken of an “impending humanitarian disaster.”

But no decisive action or real help has yet been taken. Neighboring countries, such as Chad and Central Africa, fear an influx of refugees.

Sudanese activists have launched a campaign on social networks called “Save Al-Fashir” to bring the voices of the besieged people to the world.

Negotiations and Power Play

Behind the scenes, efforts for a ceasefire and negotiation are underway. The Quartet (USA, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates) has prepared a plan for a temporary halt to the war and the start of political talks. But political sources believe that these plans are more for rearranging regional interests than for a real end to the war.

From the point of view of many analysts, the Sudanese war is no longer just a battle between the army and Hemedti’s forces; but a scene for the competition of foreign powers—from Russia and the UAE to Egypt and Chad.

Al-Fashir today is not only in the clutches of armed forces, but also in the unknown clutches of a dark future.

The city, which was once the cradle of culture, civilization, and trade, has now turned into ruins, and no one knows what fate awaits it. And while the world is grappling with other crises, the voice of the people of Al-Fashir is silenced in the smoke and ashes—a city whose fall may be a turning point in the history of Darfur and all of Sudan.

As long as this ruthless war continues, this historic city and its people will remain in the clutches of ambiguity and awaiting an uncertain fate.