The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented a severe deterioration in the humanitarian and health situation in the city of El Fasher, North Darfur State, following reports indicating the detention of large numbers of civilians and military personnel inside detention centers affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), under conditions described as harsh and inhumane.
According to CFJ’s documentation, the number of detainees has reached approximately 2,377 persons, including 1,470 civilians and 907 military personnel, as well as 426 children and 370 women, held across several detention sites. These include Shala Prison, service facilities such as the Children’s Hospital and the bus terminal, in addition to the detention of others inside shipping containers.
Information also indicates the arrest of at least 20 doctors, including four female physicians, amid an acute shortage of medical staff and health supplies, further exacerbating the deteriorating conditions in the city—particularly in light of the near‑total collapse of the healthcare system.
Testimonies from survivors reported grave violations inside detention centers, including torture and ill‑treatment, as well as killings, some of which were carried out on an ethnic basis, in addition to the denial of medical care to detainees despite many suffering injuries from shelling.
A widespread outbreak of cholera has also been recorded within detention facilities since February, amid the absence of preventive and treatment measures. This has led to a rising death toll estimated at more than 300 deaths over a two‑month period, with deaths reportedly occurring on an almost daily basis.
The Committee for Justice stated that these conditions reflect an extremely serious humanitarian crisis, where ongoing violations intersect with the collapse of essential services, posing a direct threat to the lives of thousands of detainees, particularly children and women.
CFJ calls for the immediate release of all detained civilians, the provision of healthcare, food, and clean water, the unhindered access of humanitarian assistance, and the opening of an independent investigation into the reported violations, with full accountability for those responsible, in order to protect civilians and halt the further deterioration of conditions in the city.
