The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for a ceasefire in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped without access to food, healthcare, or safe passage. The city has reportedly been captured by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group in conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Key developments:
- City under siege: El Fasher, the last major city in Darfur under government control, has been besieged for over a year. The RSF claims to have seized the army’s Sixth Division headquarters, marking a potential turning point in Sudan’s civil war.
- Humanitarian collapse: UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher described the situation as “terrifying”, citing shelling, starvation, and blocked escape routes. He stated, “We have lifesaving supplies ready, but intensified attacks have made it impossible for us to get aid in.”
- Civilian casualties: UN agencies report widespread deaths, including 20 killed in recent strikes on a mosque and the city’s last functioning hospital. Nearly 100 civilians were killed in September alone.
- Displacement crisis: The conflict has displaced 11.7 million people, with 4.2 million fleeing to neighboring countries, making it one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies.
- UN demands: Fletcher urged all parties to respect Security Council Resolution 2736 (2024), which calls for an end to the siege, protection of civilians, and unhindered humanitarian access. He emphasized that violations of international law must be prosecuted.
The UN continues to advocate for safe corridors, protection of aid workers, and accountability for attacks on civilians and medical facilities.
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