Sudan's Forgotten War: Starvation and Siege

After 18 months of siege, el-Fasher in Sudan's Darfur region faces a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have sealed off all food and aid routes, trapping hundreds of thousands of civilians. With supplies gone and hunger spreading, survivors say they now face a grim choice - death by bombs or by starvation.

1. A City Under Siege

For over 500 days, Sudan's el-Fasher-the capital of North Darfur-has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Once a thriving trade hub, it now stands as the Sudanese army's last stronghold in western Sudan. The RSF's blockade has turned the city into a prison for civilians trapped between warring factions.

2. The Human Cost: Starvation and Desperation

Children line up at the city's only functioning community kitchen, hoping for a single meal. Supplies have vanished, and markets are empty. The UN World Food Programme warns that mass starvation is imminent, as all efforts to deliver food and medical aid have failed. Deaths from malnutrition are already being reported.

3. RSF's Tightening Blockade

Satellite images reveal the RSF has built a complete barrier around el-Fasher, cutting off entry and exit routes. Video footage shows RSF fighters stopping and interrogating civilians attempting to leave, accusing them of collaborating with the army-even when unarmed and in plain clothes.
The siege prevents food, medicine, and humanitarian supplies from entering the city.

4. Violence from Above

The RSF is using artillery and drones to bombard homes, hospitals, displacement camps, and kitchens.
In just one week, over 70 people were killed and dozens injured. Since the siege began in May 2024, thousands have died, with survivors describing constant shelling and the terror of hunger.

5. A City of the Forgotten

More than 400,000 residents have fled, yet hundreds of thousands remain trapped. With every passing day, hunger and disease claim more lives.
As one survivor lamented: "If it's not the bombs that kill us, it will be hunger."

6. Global Silence and Outrage

Viewers and commentators express deep frustration:

"Where are the world leaders?"
"Shame on Islamic nations for not providing refuge."
"This is what real starvation looks like."

The crisis highlights global inaction and the silence surrounding one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters.

7. Reporter's Closing

Hiba Morgan, reporting from Khartoum for Al Jazeera English, concludes that el-Fasher's suffering continues unseen and unresolved-its people enduring a slow death from hunger and war while the world looks away.