“Furnaces of Death” in El-Fashir: Militia Detains Thousands of Children, Women, and Civilians in Containers

A recent report by the Sudanese Doctors Network has revealed a devastating humanitarian and health crisis in El-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur State, after six months of escalating tensions and large-scale military operations.

The report, covering the period from January to April, documents grave violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia inside detention centres, including cases of ethnically motivated killings and the spread of deadly epidemics.

According to data compiled by the network, approximately 2,377 individuals are currently being held, including 1,470 civilian detainees and 907 military prisoners.

The report highlights the presence of 426 children and 370 women among those detained, held across multiple sites described as notorious detention locations.

These include Shalla Prison, as well as public facilities repurposed as detention centres, such as a children’s hospital and the land transport terminal. Others are reportedly being held inside metal “containers” lacking even the most basic conditions for human survival.