SLM-TC Leader Announces Massive Civilian Evacuation Plan from Besieged El Fasher

“The UAE has been a key provider of humanitarian aid to Sudanese refugees”

El Fasher – Blue News

In a dramatic escalation of Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, Al-Hadi Idris, leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement–Transitional Council (SLM/A-TC), announced plans to evacuate over 100,000 families from the war-torn city of El Fasher, citing it as the only viable option to save civilian lives amid growing violence.

Idris, whose movement is aligned with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and part of the broader “Founding Sudan” (Tasis) coalition, confirmed that over 50,000 families have already been evacuated from El Fasher to safer zones westward, including Tawila and Korma. He described the ongoing operation as potentially “the largest evacuation from a frontline area in Sudan’s history.”

“We will not encourage people to stay in El Fasher. It has become a combat zone; they must leave immediately,” Idris declared in an interview with Sudan Tribune, blaming both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for failing to agree to a ceasefire and using civilians as human shields.

El Fasher, the last remaining SAF stronghold in Darfur, has witnessed an alarming deterioration in security following the RSF’s capture of the nearby Zamzam displacement camp and reports of large-scale RSF mobilizations around the city. Fears of a devastating assault loom, prompting urgent calls from Idris and allied groups for a mass civilian withdrawal.

Dismisses Genocide Fears, Defends RSF

In response to growing international fears of mass atrocities, Idris rejected claims that the RSF might commit genocide or ethnic cleansing should it take control of El Fasher. He emphasized that the Tasis coalition will not allow any crimes to be committed against civilians.

When asked why his movement isn’t pressing the RSF to lift the siege, Idris said both the RSF and SAF are locked in mutual attacks across the country, making evacuation the only practical option in the absence of a ceasefire.

Idris also denied SLM-TC involvement in the attack on Zamzam camp, asserting that his forces were stationed 15 km from the city and were only assisting civilians under RSF protection.

Aid Coordination and Civilian Protection

The SLM-TC leader stated that some international humanitarian organizations are on standby to support evacuated families upon reaching designated safe zones. He called on all parties to prioritize civilian safety and avoid politicizing humanitarian action.

He criticized SAF-aligned factions for blocking earlier proposals to demilitarize El Fasher, accusing them of exacerbating the crisis for political leverage.

Parallel Government in the Making

Idris confirmed that the Tasis alliance is finalizing plans to declare a parallel government from within Sudan, as an alternative to the Port Sudan-based de facto authority. The alliance includes the RSF, SLM-TC, SPLM-N, the National Umma Party, and other political and armed groups.

“This will be a government of peace,” Idris said. “The Port Sudan government has failed the Sudanese people, neglected services, and used discriminatory laws to target entire communities.”

He rejected accusations that the move would divide Sudan, saying instead that the fragmentation began under the Port Sudan administration, which he accused of succumbing to Islamist influence and provoking war.

Slams UAE Complaint as Political Stunt

Idris also dismissed the Port Sudan government’s complaint against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) — which alleges UAE complicity in genocide through support to the RSF. as “political theater with no legal basis.”

“If the allegations were serious, why not cut diplomatic ties?” he asked, adding that the UAE has been a key provider of humanitarian aid to Sudanese refugees.