What happened in el-Fasher, Darfur?

Paramilitary forces overran el-Fasher, the Sudanese army's last stronghold in Darfur, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths and widespread destruction.

What was the experience of Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim during the el-Fasher attack?

Dr. Ibrahim described witnessing widespread death, fleeing under fire, and being captured, beaten, and ransomed by fighters demanding thousands of dollars.

How many civilians survived the el-Fasher onslaught?

United Nations officials estimate that only 40% of el-Fasher's 260,000 residents managed to flee the onslaught alive, with the fate of the rest unknown.

Home / War and Conflict / Darfur Doctor's Ordeal: Harrowing Escape from El-Fasher

Darfur Doctor's Ordeal: Harrowing Escape from El-Fasher

31 Jan

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Summary

Thousands of civilians killed as paramilitary forces overran el-Fasher.
Only 40% of el-Fasher's residents escaped the deadly onslaught alive.
A doctor recounted being beaten and ransomed by fighters for thousands of dollars.

Darfur Doctor's Ordeal: Harrowing Escape from El-Fasher

Paramilitary fighters recently overran el-Fasher, the Sudanese army's sole remaining base in Darfur, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, a physician who escaped the besieged city, provided a rare firsthand account of the brutal three-day assault that began on October 26.

Ibrahim described witnessing widespread death and destruction as he fled the city, which was largely deserted when humanitarian teams accessed it in late December. He recounted hiding in an empty water tank and narrowly avoiding gunmen, seeing dozens of bodies along his escape route.

The conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, descended from notorious militias, has raged for over two years. El-Fasher was a key strategic location. Civilians faced severe food shortages, with some resorting to eating animal fodder.