The Silence of El Fasher
I find myself grappling with the haunting notion of 'peace on earth,' especially during this time of year when messages of goodwill seem to ring hollow. In stark contrast, a catastrophe unfolds in Sudan, where humanity appears to be on trial against the backdrop of unfathomable atrocities.
El Fasher, a city once bustling with life, now stands largely deserted, a mere shadow of its former self. Recently taken over by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia accused of genocide, it has become a ghost town—a designation made even more chilling by satellite imagery breaking the silence of the ongoing crisis.
A Grim Prediction Unfolds
The RSF's control of El Fasher was not unexpected; warnings have proliferated for over two years. Satellite images reveal an alarming reality—mass graves and burn piles that hint at systematic assaults on the population. The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab has presented harrowing analyses of these images, revealing clusters of human remains and the stark absence of human life in the city.
“If you were going to see the murder of a city, this is what it looks like.” — Nathaniel Raymond, Yale Humanitarian Research Lab
The numbers speak for themselves; estimates suggest that between 30,000 and 100,000 individuals might have been killed within six weeks. This staggering pace mirrors the violence of historical atrocities, with Raymond stressing the comparison to the Rwandan genocide.
International Apathy
Yet, what's truly disturbing is the broader response—or lack thereof—from international bodies and leaders. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have repeatedly acknowledged the genocide label, yet there has been little actionable change. Reports persist that the U.S. has collaborated with the United Arab Emirates, which supports the RSF, complicating the humanitarian crisis further.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has referred to El Fasher as “basically a crime scene,” illustrating the severe ramifications of this geopolitical failure. Despite clear indicators of mass killings, the silence from the international community is deafening.
The Human Cost
As the echoes of gunfire fade, the testimonies of those who fled El Fasher paint a horrifying image. Survivors describe witnessing extreme violence, wars that tore families apart, leaving behind children who now arrive in refugee camps alone, traumatized, and broken. Reports suggest 400 children arrived in Tawila, some unable to speak after their traumatic experiences.
This pattern of violence disproportionately targets Black African tribes, further underscoring the systemic ethnic cleansing underway. Eyewitness accounts capture militia leaders proclaiming a goal to eliminate any Black individuals encountered. Disturbingly, our collective leaders seem to prioritize political gain and economic interests over human lives.
A Call to Action
What can we do amidst this ongoing atrocity? During this holiday season of charitable giving, consider supporting organizations like the Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition, which provides critical help to those suffering in Sudan. Your contributions could potentially be matched and used to create an impact where it's desperately needed.
As we reflect on our obligations, we must ask: What does it mean to genuinely advocate for peace? Inaction in the face of such horrors is not just a political failure; it's a spiritual crisis. Silence allows these massacres to continue, making the tragedy of El Fasher a deep collective wound that demands urgent attention and full accountability. Let's not allow history to judge us as bystanders.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/24/opinion/sudan-genocide.html
