In Darfur, Sudan, civilians like Nafisa Malik are hiding underground from shelling amidst a prolonged civil war between the Sudanese Army and RSF. El-Fasher remains a critical stronghold, facing constant bombardment and a humanitarian crisis. Makeshift bunkers and underground medical facilities illustrate the desperate measures locals are taking for survival, as famine looms and aid remains limited.
Nafisa Malik and her five children are seeking refuge from heavy shelling in El-Fasher, a city in besieged Darfur, Sudan. They huddle in a cramped, makeshift shelter, while Ms. Malik describes the traumatic lull as they wait for each explosion to finish. Warfare between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has persisted for nearly two years, creating a humanitarian crisis of significant scale.
El-Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, has also suffered severe bombardment, with reports of shelling leading to casualties. El-Fasher remains strategically vital as it is the only major city in Darfur still under Army control, despite RSF attempts to seize it. Residents construct underground bunkers to protect their families from artillery and drone attacks, as they seek safety.
Among the civilians, residents like Mohammed Ibrahim have adapted to the situation. After realizing that hiding under beds was inadequate, he constructed a fortified hole in his yard to shelter his family from the ongoing attacks. Despite supply line disruptions from the RSF, the Army and allied groups maintain control over most of the city.
Research conducted by Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab has revealed extensive damage in El-Fasher, especially near key locations like the airport and markets. Evidence points towards destruction linked to both the Sudanese Army’s air strikes and RSF’s artillery. Under the pressure of constant bombardments, medical facilities like the Saudi Hospital have had to create underground operating rooms to continue providing care.
Historically, El-Fasher has been a center of power in Darfur. Its control is critical to the Army, particularly due to support from the Zaghawa ethnic community who face targeted attacks from the RSF. Analysts suggest that the fall of El-Fasher would represent an existential threat, prompting local military leaders to unite in defense of the city.
However, the dilemma remains for the Army: defend El-Fasher at a steep human cost, or risk losing a crucial stronghold that could alter the balance of power in the conflict. The situation is exacerbated by reports of famine around El-Fasher, with humanitarian aid nearly nonexistent, and the World Food Programme warning of impending catastrophe if conditions do not improve.
The ongoing conflict in El-Fasher, Darfur, showcases the dire humanitarian crisis faced by the Sudanese population. With families like Nafisa Malik’s desperately seeking refuge from escalating violence, the construction of underground shelters becomes crucial for survival. The city’s strategic importance is evident, as the RSF’s advance threatens to tip the balance of power, while rising famine conditions worsen the plight of the citizens. Urgent intervention and support for the affected populations are essential to prevent further catastrophe.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
