UN Urges Safe Passage for Civilians in Conflict-Stricken El-Fasher

The United Nations has urged for the safe passage of civilians trapped in El-Fasher, Sudan. This call comes after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, reportedly seized the Sudanese military’s main base in the city. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as a “terrible escalation” of the ongoing civil war, highlighting the unbearable suffering faced by civilians.

Situation Overview in El-Fasher

El-Fasher, the last military stronghold in western Darfur, has been besieged by the RSF and its allies for over 18 months. Intense fighting has persisted since a recent assault began, which included the capture of the residence of the North Darfur governor. The Sudanese Doctors’ Network reported numerous ethnically motivated killings, alongside looting of medical facilities.

Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies

• Approximately 250,000 residents are trapped, facing severe food scarcity and lack of medical care.
• Communication lines have been interrupted, complicating the situation for those attempting to flee.
• Social media evidence shows RSF fighters celebrating their control over the city’s army headquarters.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned that the risk of further ethnic violence and atrocities increases daily. The RSF’s actions, including targeting civilians through airstrikes, have led to a growing humanitarian disaster, with many families fearing for their loved ones still in the city.

International Response and Calls for Aid

UN humanitarian officials, including Tom Fletcher, voiced deep concern over civilian casualties. He emphasized that safe passage must be granted for those seeking to escape the conflict. The United States has also joined the call for humanitarian access and is exploring avenues for a ceasefire.

The RSF’s recent territorial gains in El-Fasher signify a critical moment in the ongoing civil conflict, which erupted in 2023 due to disputes between RSF commanders and the Sudanese army. This conflict has already resulted in over 150,000 fatalities and displaced nearly 12 million individuals.

As fighting continues, the UN describes El-Fasher as the “epicenter of suffering” in Sudan, with the prospects for peace remaining uncertain. The RSF’s ambitions to establish a rival government in the city underscore the likelihood of an extended conflict in the region.