UN Warns of Imminent Attack on El Fasher, North Darfur, as Conflict Escalates

The United Nations has issued a dire warning about an imminent attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the city of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, Sudan. The UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, stated that the RSF are reportedly encircling El Fasher, suggesting a coordinated move to decisively attack the city may be imminent. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are also positioning themselves, raising concerns of a large-scale confrontation.

Dujarric warned that such an attack on the city would cause "devastating consequences for the civilian population" in an area already on the brink of famine due to the ongoing conflict since April 2023. The UN Secretary-General has reiterated the appeal on all parties to refrain from fighting in the El Fasher area. El Fasher serves as the administrative center of the Darfur region and is the only capital of the region's states that has not fallen into the hands of the RSF.

Why this matters: The escalating situation in El Fasher threatens to further destabilize the Darfur region and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. The potential for widespread civilian casualties and displacement is high, as the area is already grappling with acute food insecurity and a fragile peace.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has been ongoing since mid-April 2023, resulting in the death of nearly 15,000 people and the displacement of more than 8 million people, according to UN figures. The maneuvering of these opposing armed forces is blocking aid deliveries to thousands of people, including internally displaced persons in Zamzam camp who are facing acute hunger and severe malnutrition.

The UN Secretary-General's personal envoy is engaging with the parties to de-escalate the tensions, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has expressed grave concerns, stating that "at least 43 people, including women and children, have been killed in the fighting between the two rival forces and their allied militias since April 14." The United States has also urged on all armed forces in Sudan to immediately cease attacks in El Fasher.

The UN has warned that around 800 people in El Fasher are in "extreme and immediate danger" as the worsening violence threatens to "ignite bloody intercommunal conflicts across Darfur". Nearly 25 million people, half of Sudan's population, need aid, and some 8 million have fled their homes. Immediate action is needed to prevent a catastrophic hunger crisis in Sudan.

Key Takeaways

• UN warns of imminent RSF attack on El Fasher, capital of North Darfur, Sudan.
• Attack threatens to further destabilize Darfur and exacerbate humanitarian crisis.
• Conflict between Sudanese army and RSF has killed 15,000 and displaced 8 million.
• UN, US call for immediate ceasefire to prevent catastrophic hunger crisis in Sudan.
• Around 800 people in El Fasher are in extreme danger as violence threatens to escalate.