Jurist UN calls for ceasefire in Sudan as El Fasher falls to paramilitary forces

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A UN Emergency Relief Coordinator on Sunday called for an immediate ceasefire in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur region, following reports of the city’s capture by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and mounting civilian casualties.

In a statement released Sunday, Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said he was “deeply alarmed” by reports of civilian deaths and forced displacement as fighting intensifies throughout the city. He explained:

Safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access must be allowed to reach all civilians in need. We have lifesaving supplies ready, but intensified attacks have made it impossible for us to get aid in. Local humanitarian workers continue to save lives under fire. We call for an immediate ceasefire in El Fasher, across Darfur and throughout Sudan. Civilians must be allowed safe passage and be able to access aid. Those fleeing to safer areas must be allowed to do so safely and in dignity. Those who stay – including local responders – must be protected. Attacks on civilians, hospitals and humanitarian operations must stop immediately.

Fletcher reiterated obligations under Security Council Resolution 2736, which demands an end to the siege, civilian protection, and unhindered humanitarian access across Sudan. He condemned the targeting of civilians and medical facilities, noting that at least 20 people were killed in strikes on a mosque and hospital earlier this month following nearly 100 civilian deaths in September, urging for accountability of violative parties.

El Fasher, the last major city in Darfur under government control, has been under siege for over a year. Media reports indicate the RSF has claimed control after seizing the army’s Sixth Division headquarters, though the Sudanese Armed Forces have not yet confirmed.

The city’s fall would represent a significant setback for government forces in the civil war that has devastated Sudan since April 2023. The conflict has resulted in one of the largest humanitarian crises on record, with more than 11.7 million people displaced according to UN estimates.

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