A recent report by the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University’s School of Public Health has revealed the devastating impact of the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) takeover of El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan, one year ago. Satellite imagery analysed by the researchers shows a near-total absence of civilian life in the city, with activity largely confined to an area of just five square kilometres. The report documents widespread damage to markets and hospitals, restrictions on civilian movement, and evidence consistent with the destruction or concealment of human remains.
Before the siege began in April 2024, El Fasher and its surrounding displacement camps, including Abu Shouk, El Salam, and Zamzam, were home to an estimated one to two million people. The siege lasted about 20 months, followed by widespread bombardment, starvation, and mass killings after the RSF captured the city in late October 2025. The city has been transformed into a largely deserted area, with almost no civilian presence beyond a small area of about five square kilometres. Satellite imagery reveals environmental changes, including an overall 9.02% increase in vegetation growth within the city, indicating the cessation of daily activity and the disappearance of much of its social and civilian life.
Researchers used the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to measure environmental changes between 1 January and 31 March 2026 and compare them with the average for the five pre-war years, 2019–2023. The analysis found that south-eastern El Fasher recorded the largest increase in vegetation growth, at 13.38%, followed by the area north of Abu Shouk camp, at 10.64%. The First Degree neighbourhood recorded the smallest change, at 2.72%, and remains the main area where RSF activity and the city’s residual population are concentrated.
The report assessed nine major markets by comparing satellite images from September 2026 with a baseline recorded before the siege, in November 2023. The images showed no discernible human activity, vehicle movements, or animal presence in eight of the nine markets, including the Grand Market, the livestock market, Um Dafsu market, and Nyfasha market. Many market structures had also been damaged or destroyed, with collapsed roofs and extensive vegetation covering the sites. The central market in the First Degree neighbourhood was the only one showing visible expansion and activity, including new tents and shelters and vehicle movements.
The report tracked 19 healthcare facilities across El Fasher, and satellite images showed no signs of crowds, organised ambulance movements, maintenance, or reconstruction at any of them. Researchers also identified excavation and burning sites at five major hospitals: the children’s hospital, El Fasher Teaching Hospital, the Saudi Hospital, Sayyid al-Shuhada Centre, and the Southern Hospital. The report says imagery indicated that materials consistent with human remains had been burned at several of these sites. At El Fasher Teaching Hospital, satellite images taken between November 2025 and March 2026 showed a newly dug pit containing ash.
A 75km earth barrier constructed around the city restricts movement, with the RSF reinforcing the four remaining main crossing points with earth barriers and complex traffic routes intended to impede movement. The resulting restrictions contributed to worsening famine conditions, classified as Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Phase 5. Water infrastructure has also been damaged, with satellite imagery showing damage to the main water station caused by bombardment, alongside signs of water leakage and the presence of heavy transport trucks and armed RSF vehicles.
The report concludes that official claims by the RSF and affiliated administrations that life has returned to normal in El Fasher are contradicted by satellite-based evidence. It calls for an international investigation and unrestricted access for the International Criminal Court and human rights organisations to collect remaining evidence before it is destroyed. The researchers criticise the international community, arguing that the catastrophe in El Fasher was among the most anticipated humanitarian disasters, with early warnings issued over more than two years.
Key points
- Widespread damage and destruction have been documented in El Fasher, with satellite imagery showing a near-total absence of civilian life.
- The RSF's takeover of El Fasher has led to severe humanitarian consequences, including famine conditions classified as IPC Phase 5.
- The report calls for an international investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in El Fasher.
