El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has been under siege by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for more than 500 days, with the United Nations warning that attacks on civilians are worsening the already dire humanitarian situation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said most residents of the nearby Abu Shouk displacement camp had fled following relentless bombings and raids.
“The fighting must stop immediately,” Mr Guterres said through a spokesperson. He renewed his call for “an immediate cessation of hostilities in El Fasher, as well as for respect and protection of civilians and the facilitation of safe, unhindered and sustainable humanitarian access.”
The UN chief also underscored the need to guarantee safe passage for civilians who wish to leave voluntarily.
The humanitarian crisis reached a new low on Friday after an attack on a mosque in El Fasher killed dozens of civilians during morning prayers. Denise Brown, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, expressed alarm, stressing that religious sites and worshippers are protected under international law.
“Intentionally directing attacks against religious buildings also constitutes a war crime. This attack, allegedly carried out by the RSF, must be investigated and its perpetrators held accountable,” she said.
The UN has warned that famine declared in the region last year has further deteriorated conditions, with the risk of ethnically motivated violence rising as fighters push deeper into the city.
Civilians remain the principal victims of the conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which erupted in April 2023. The war has killed thousands and displaced millions across Sudan.
Mr Guterres called on both sides to return to dialogue and resume negotiations toward a lasting political settlement. He also urged “concerted international action in support of the Sudanese people” ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Secretary-General’s personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, said he “stands ready to support sincere efforts to end the conflict and establish the inclusive political process demanded by the Sudanese people.”
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