Escalating Violence in El Fasher Amid Cholera Crisis
Fierce fighting has erupted in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, forcing thousands of residents to flee the city as the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensifies. Reports indicate that the RSF has launched multiple attacks aiming to gain control of the city, prompting the Sudanese army to retaliate with air strikes targeting RSF positions. Local authorities confirm that heavy artillery shelling has also been unleashed on residential neighborhoods, further endangering the lives of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The United Nations has labeled the situation in El Fasher as horrific, with around 700,000 displaced individuals at risk due to ongoing violence. The governor of the Darfur region, Minni Arko Minawi, reported a recent victory for the joint forces allied with the Sudanese army, claiming they successfully repelled the RSF after a five-hour battle.
Cholera Epidemic Compounds the Humanitarian Crisis
As the fighting rages on, Sudan is grappling with a cholera epidemic that has claimed 348 lives since August. The Ministry of Health has reported over 11,000 cases of cholera across several states, including alarming new infections in regions already affected by conflict. Additionally, two deaths from dengue fever have been confirmed, with 232 suspected cases reported.
The cholera outbreak, declared an epidemic on August 12, is exacerbated by the ongoing war, which has resulted in approximately 18,800 deaths and nearly 10 million people displaced or seeking refuge. The World Health Organization and various international bodies are sounding alarms about the potential for a humanitarian disaster, warning that food shortages and health crises are pushing millions towards famine and death.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, urgent international intervention and humanitarian aid are needed to avert further catastrophe in Sudan.
