The United Nations Secretary-General, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, has expressed grave alarm over the recent escalation of violence by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, Sudan. The call for an immediate ceasefire comes amidst increasing humanitarian crises, with both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF accused of violating international humanitarian and human rights laws. The United Nations has been vocal in criticizing the disregard for ceasefire appeals by the warring factions, highlighting its severe impact on civilians.
Since the conflict reignited in April 2023, over 10 million people have been internally displaced, leading to the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. The provincial capital of North Darfur, El Fasher, has been significantly affected, with over 700,000 people at imminent risk. Women and children, in particular, are facing grave threats owing to deteriorating access to healthcare and widespread food insecurity. The humanitarian situation has been compounded by poor accessibility to aid due to ongoing conflicts and recent natural calamities, such as heavy rains and floods, which have further blocked critical supply routes into regions like Zamzam and El Fasher (UN News).
- The conflict has severely impacted humanitarian efforts. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that 30 percent of children screened at the Zamzam displaced persons camp were suffering from acute malnutrition. This statistic is considered indicative of a “massive, life-threatening emergency” (MSF).
- Highlighting the dire needs of those displaced, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) called for immediate action in August when famine conditions were confirmed in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp. Nearly 26 million people across Sudan are struggling to secure daily food needs (UNHCR).
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, emphasized on social media that the 16-month-long conflict has left Sudan “in ruins,” and the end of the war seems a distant dream. Martha Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa at the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), pointed out that both SAF and RSF have committed severe human rights violations, including summary executions, abductions, enforced disappearances, and torture of civilians (UN News).
In tandem, further recommendations for protecting civilians as outlined in Security Council resolution 2736 (2024) are under development and are expected to be presented in October (UNSC Document).
Stéphane Dujarric has stressed the urgency for a ceasefire not only in El Fasher but across all conflict zones in Sudan, emphasizing that humanitarian organizations are prepared to ramp up assistance efforts immediately if given safe access.