RSF Claims Advances in El Fasher, Seizes Governor's Residence

Escalation of Conflict in El Fasher

On October 24, 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced that their fighters had advanced closer to the headquarters of the Sudanese army’s 6th Infantry Division in El Fasher. This development came after the RSF seized the residence of the North Darfur state governor.

A source within the 6th Infantry Division command shared with Sudan Tribune that a cautious calm was observed in the city on Friday morning. The source described the previous day as marked by a major attack.

The RSF shared video clips on its Telegram channel showing its forces taking control of the official guesthouse in El Fasher, which serves as the governor’s residence. In the videos, fighters claimed that the RSF was now near the 6th Infantry Division’s command center and vowed to capture it within hours.

Intense Fighting in El Fasher

Fierce battles erupted in El Fasher on Thursday between the army and allied joint forces on one side, and the RSF on the other. The conflict has been escalating, with both sides engaging in intense combat.

In a statement released on Friday, the Sudanese army reported that the 6th Infantry Division, along with the joint force and supporting troops, had “crushed and repelled a new attack from several axes” launched by the RSF on Thursday.

The army’s statement highlighted that the attack involved infantry, combat vehicles, and armored vehicles, supported by a large number of mercenaries from countries such as Colombia, Chad, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. It also mentioned that the assault was conducted under the cover of artillery and drone fire targeting civilians. The army claimed that they inflicted “heavy losses in lives and equipment on the enemy.”

“Our forces managed to destroy a large number of combat vehicles, disable and seize others, and dozens of attackers were killed, while the rest fled outside the city,” the statement continued.

Prolonged Siege and Humanitarian Crisis

El Fasher, the largest city in the Darfur region, has been under a suffocating siege by the RSF since May of last year. The ongoing fighting between the warring parties has led to a dire humanitarian situation. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire, with limited access to essential resources such as food, water, and medical supplies.

The conflict has displaced thousands of people, and the situation remains volatile. International organizations have raised concerns about the deteriorating conditions in the region, urging for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of life and suffering.

Ongoing Tensions and Future Outlook

As the conflict continues, the situation in El Fasher remains critical. Both the RSF and the Sudanese army are vying for control, with each side claiming victories and setbacks. The involvement of foreign mercenaries adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, raising questions about the broader implications for regional stability.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for peace talks and humanitarian aid to reach those affected. However, the path to resolution remains uncertain, as both sides continue to engage in fierce combat.

Key Developments

• RSF Advances: The RSF has moved closer to the 6th Infantry Division headquarters in El Fasher.
• Video Evidence: The RSF released videos showing control of the governor’s residence.
• Army Response: The Sudanese army claims to have repelled an attack by the RSF, with heavy losses reported.
• Mercenary Involvement: The attack was reportedly supported by mercenaries from multiple countries.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The prolonged siege has led to severe humanitarian challenges in El Fasher.