Children Die Daily From Hunger in Besieged El Fasher, Doctors Warn

Escalating Crisis in El Fasher: Children Losing Lives Daily

In the city of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, a tragic situation is unfolding. According to the Sudan Doctors Network, at least three children are dying every day due to hunger and a lack of food. This dire situation is exacerbated by deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions, creating a crisis that demands immediate attention.

El Fasher has been under a tight siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2024. The situation worsened significantly after the RSF completed a 57-kilometre-long earth barrier around the city and tightened control over exit points in late September. This has led to a severe scarcity of most food commodities, leaving the population in a desperate state.

Razan Mahdi, a spokeswoman for the Sudan Doctors Network, highlighted the grim reality in a statement. She said, “Every passing day, we lose at least three children in El Fasher due to malnutrition, disease, and the scarcity of health and humanitarian resources.” The humanitarian situation in the city is witnessing a “terrible deterioration,” with a rise in child mortality due to acute food shortages and high rates of malnutrition-related diseases.

The network expressed its grave concern over the tragic conditions monitored by its field teams. It stated that the severe food and medicine crisis resulting from the continuous siege has pushed the humanitarian situation “beyond comprehension.” The situation is not just a local issue; it is a global concern that requires urgent intervention.

According to the United Nations, El Fasher’s trapped population of 260,000, including 130,000 children, relies on “Ambaz,” a type of animal fodder, for survival. This stark reality underscores the severity of the crisis and the desperate measures people are taking to survive.

The RSF has recently intensified its shelling of the Al-Daraja Al-Oula neighborhood, one of the few remaining areas inhabited by tens of thousands of besieged civilians. This neighborhood has become a focal point of the conflict, as the RSF has made significant military advances since August. The attacks have led to increased violence and instability in the area.

In addition to the shelling, the RSF has carried out raids on all houses in the neighborhoods they recently captured, burning them down. Their members are also reportedly carrying out summary executions, extortion, and sexual assaults against those fleeing the city. These actions have further deepened the suffering of the civilian population.

Key Challenges in El Fasher

• Food Scarcity: The siege has led to a severe shortage of food, forcing many to rely on non-traditional sources like animal fodder.
• Health Crisis: Malnutrition and disease are rampant, with limited access to medical care and essential medicines.
• Violence and Insecurity: The RSF's actions have created an environment of fear and instability, with reports of executions, extortion, and sexual assaults.
• Humanitarian Aid: There are no signs of humanitarian corridors being opened to save thousands of besieged children and families.

Impact on Children

Children are the most vulnerable in this crisis. With 130,000 children among the 260,000 trapped in El Fasher, the situation is particularly dire. The lack of food and medical supplies is leading to a sharp increase in child mortality. The Sudan Doctors Network warns that without immediate intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate.

Calls for International Action

The international community must take notice of the escalating crisis in El Fasher. The situation demands urgent action to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. The RSF's continued aggression and the lack of access to basic necessities are pushing the population to the brink.

As the conflict continues, the human cost is becoming increasingly apparent. The loss of life, especially among children, is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war and siege on innocent civilians. The world cannot stand by and watch as more lives are lost in this ongoing tragedy.