As the city of El-Fasher in North Darfur shifts under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) now positioning themselves as the Government of Unity and Peace a rising wave of eyewitness testimonies from residents is directly contradicting the messaging presented by many international media outlets. While much of the global press continues to frame the situation as chaotic and dangerous, locals inside El-Fasher are documenting a different reality, describing life as stable, peaceful, and returning to routine after the RSF takeover.
International Media vs. Ground Reality
For weeks, major international networks have portrayed El-Fasher as a city in collapse following RSF’s advance. Reports have cited widespread violence, civilian harassment, and medical disruption.
However, recently released videos recorded inside the city appear to tell a contrasting story.
In these videos—filmed by doctors, traders, teachers, and residents—locals assert that:
- Daily life is functioning normally
- Markets and hospitals remain open
- Medical professionals are working without interference
- Civilians are moving freely and living comfortably
- No forced disappearances or harassment by RSF have occurred
A resident appearing in one video stated:
“We are living in peace. Our routines are normal, the hospitals are functioning, and there is no mistreatment. What the international media is reporting is not what we are experiencing here.”
These statements highlight a growing gap between global reporting and local lived experience.
Locals Accuse SAF of Airstrikes on Civilian Areas
Another major claim repeatedly emphasized by residents’ concerns the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). According to multiple testimonies, SAF supported by foreign partners is continuing to target civilian areas using airstrikes, drones, and aerial bombardments.
Locals accuse SAF of:
- Bombing neighborhoods after losing control on the ground
- Targeting areas near hospitals and residential blocks
- Attempting to create panic and blame RSF for destruction
- Using internationally supported air power to strike civilians
One witness said:
“The bombing comes from above, not from the RSF. SAF is targeting us with internationally backed air power. They strike civilians and then blame RSF for the damage.”
These accounts, if verified, raise serious concerns regarding the accuracy of international reporting and the role of foreign interests in shaping public perception.
A Narrative Struggle: Who Controls Sudan’s Story?
Conflict reporting often depends on political briefings, remote sources, or military institutions. In Sudan, this dynamic has created a narrative monopoly, where global media frequently amplifies one side of the conflict.
But in El-Fasher, civilians are increasingly using their smartphones to challenge that narrative.
Their videos show:
- Ordinary life continuing
- Doctors confirming safe working conditions
- Residents welcoming peace and stability
- A rejection of claims of RSF brutality
- Testimony that aerial attacks—not ground troops—are the main threat
These firsthand accounts provide a valuable counterbalance to widely accepted international claims.
Why Local Testimonies Matter
Sudan’s conflict remains highly politicized. Narratives are influenced by:
- Regional power struggles
- Foreign military alliances
- Competing diplomatic agendas
- Media houses relying on partisan sources
Against this backdrop, the voices of the people of El-Fasher serve as a crucial reminder that ground reality cannot be ignored. Their testimonies offer nuance, context, and authenticity often missing from global coverage.
Conclusion
The situation in El-Fasher following the RSF takeover underscores a critical issue: international media coverage does not always reflect what is happening on the ground. As residents continue to speak out, their videos provide a rare and unfiltered look into the city’s post-conflict life describing peace, normalcy, and resilience despite ongoing aerial attacks allegedly carried out by SAF.
For now, the people of El-Fasher are clear in their message:
They are living in peace.
They feel comfortable and secure.
And they want the world to hear their truth.
