Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, expressed regret over the recent violence in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, but insisted that the ongoing conflict had been “imposed” on his forces. Speaking in a televised address on Wednesday, Hemedti vowed that the city “will be peaceful and safe for its residents,” and announced the formation of an independent committee to investigate the events.
“We regret what happened in El-Fasher, but the war was forced upon us,” Hemedti said. “We have turned the page of war in El-Fasher and are opening a new page of peace.” He described the RSF’s control of the city as “a turning point for Sudan’s unity in peace or in war.”
Hemedti said civilian movement within the city would now be fully restored, pledging to facilitate the return of normal life to the region after weeks of intense fighting.
RSF Declares Control Over El-Fasher
The RSF announced on Sunday that it had seized control of the Sudanese army’s Sixth Infantry Division in El-Fasher after what it called “decisive battles.” In a statement, the paramilitary group claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on the army and allied groups, describing the operation as a “historic victory” that marked “a defining stage in building a new Sudan based on freedom, peace, and justice.”
The army has not publicly commented on the RSF’s claims, though residents and humanitarian workers have reported widespread destruction across the city, which has become the last major stronghold of government forces in the Darfur region.
International Condemnation and Calls for Dialogue
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which represents 57 Muslim-majority countries, voiced deep concern over the situation and urged both sides to engage in immediate dialogue aimed at reaching a lasting ceasefire. In a statement on Tuesday, the OIC condemned what it described as “grave humanitarian violations resulting from RSF attacks on El-Fasher,” and called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.
The organization also reaffirmed the importance of the Jeddah Declaration, signed on May 11, 2023, which committed both the Sudanese army and the RSF to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access. “Dialogue remains the only viable path to safeguarding lives, alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people, and preserving the unity, sovereignty, and security of Sudan,” the statement read.
A Humanitarian Catastrophe
The war between the RSF and Sudan’s army, which erupted in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions across the country. El-Fasher once a major hub in Darfur has been devastated by months of bombardment and urban combat.
The United Nations estimates that around 260,000 civilians remain trapped in the city, with nearly half of them children. Most are cut off from humanitarian aid due to the ongoing fighting and severe access restrictions. Aid agencies warn that unless a sustained ceasefire is achieved, famine and disease could claim thousands more lives in the coming months.
