The UN has issued a call for action amid reports of an imminent offensive by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militia against the city of El Fasher in Sudan. The city is currently the only one in Darfur still in the hands of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and the potential offensive could threaten the lives of hundreds of thousands of displaced persons sheltering there. Since the RSF began its push into El Fasher on April 14th, at least 43 people, including women and children, have been killed in fighting between the SAF and RSF. Civilians trapped in the city are afraid of being killed if they attempt to flee, and there is a severe shortage of essential supplies due to the constraints on deliveries of commercial goods and humanitarian aid caused by the fighting.
Sudan has been engulfed in turmoil since fighting broke out between the SAF and the paramilitary RSF last April. More than 14,000 people have been killed and thousands more wounded, with reports of abhorrent sexual and gender-based violence. The conflict has also resulted in the displacement of over six million civilians within Sudan and a further 1.8 million across its borders. This crisis has left 25 million people in need of humanitarian aid and protection, highlighting the urgent need for action to address the situation.
In response to the escalating conflict, the Security Council members have called on the SAF and RSF to end the build-up of military forces and to take steps to de-escalate the situation. They have also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities leading to a sustainable ceasefire. The Council members emphasized the importance of all parties adhering to their obligations under international humanitarian law and urged Member States to refrain from external interference that could fuel further conflict and instability. Additionally, they reminded all parties to comply with the arms embargo measures outlined in resolutions 1556 (2004) and 2676 (2023).
The situation in Sudan is dire, with civilians at risk of being caught in the crossfire of the escalating conflict between the SAF and RSF. The UN’s call for action underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and for all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law. As the conflict continues to escalate, it is crucial for the international community to support efforts for a durable peace in Sudan and to ensure that all parties comply with their obligations to end the violence and protect the lives of those affected by the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has had devastating consequences, with thousands killed, wounded, and displaced, and millions in need of humanitarian aid and protection. The international community must come together to support efforts for peace in Sudan and to hold all parties accountable for their actions. By calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urging compliance with international humanitarian law, the Security Council members are taking a critical step towards addressing the crisis and protecting the lives of civilians caught in the crossfire.
