2.2.5. Conflict-related infrastructure damage and other war impacts

During the siege of El Fasher, markets and food supplies were repeatedly affected by attacks. The RSF shelled the market in Abu Shouk displacement camp in March, May and June 2025, killing and injuring civilians and damaging food stalls and supplies.611 On 24 March 2025, the SAF reportedly bombed Tora market,612 north of El Fasher, during its busiest hours. The attack set the market on fire and reportedly killed or injured hundreds of civilians, as well as livestock. The destruction had severe humanitarian consequences because Tora market was one of the area’s last accessible food sources.613 In its March 2026 report on El Fasher, UN Human Rights Council noted that markets were repeatedly attacked, looted or closed during the siege, while supply routes were cut and food deliveries were blocked or attacked.614

El Fasher’s electricity grid was repeatedly attacked by RSF drone strikes resulting in prolonged disruptions to electricity and Internet access.615 The RSF targeted water infrastructure around El Fasher. Its attacks on Abu Shouk and Zamzam displacement camps further restricted access to safe water.616 By mid-2025, many water towers and pumps had been destroyed or were no longer functioning.617 Survivors reported that water infrastructure, electricity networks and health facilities were damaged or destroyed. The destruction of water systems forced residents to rely on unsafe sources.618

As of 30 June 2025, more than half of the reported attacks on health facilities occurred during the siege of El Fasher.619 Among other civilian infrastructure, hospitals were also damaged by shelling and drone attacks.620 Repeated attacks caused many health facilities to stop operating. At the time El Fasher was taken over, the Saudi Hospital was reportedly the only functioning hospital, but shortages of medicines, equipment, electricity, and staff severely limited its capacity.621 On 28 October 2025, 460 patients and accompanying persons were killed at the Saudi Maternity Hospital. By October 2025, 46 health workers had been killed and 48 injured in El Fasher since start of the conflict.622 Between 1 March 2025 and 17 August 2026, Insecurity Insight recorded 40 attacks on health care in North Darfur, 28 of which were reportedly perpetrated by the RSF. The attacks on health care resulted in the destruction of 3 health facilities and damaged 11 more.623

In June 2025, the RSF reportedly shelled three Christian churches in El Fasher,624 and in September 2025, a drone strike hit a mosque.625

Between 1 March 2025 and 31 May 2026, Insecurity Insight documented three attacks on schools, in one case resulting in damage to or destruction of the infrastructure.626