The United Nations Secretary-General on Friday appealed for an immediate ceasefire in and around the Sudanese city of El Fasher, where hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped under siege.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said António Guterres was “appalled by the relentless attacks” carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia on the North Darfur capital.
For over 500 days, El Fasher has been the epicentre of fierce battles between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Since April 2023, the rival groups have fought for control of Sudan, leaving widespread devastation across the country.
In recent weeks, the city has endured near-constant shelling and violent incursions into the nearby Abu Shouk displacement camp, where famine conditions were declared last December.
Since 11 August alone, the UN has documented at least 125 civilian deaths in El Fasher, including cases of summary executions. However, the true toll is believed to be much higher.
“The Secretary-General is alarmed at the grave risks of serious violations of international humanitarian law as well as violations and abuses of international human rights law, including ethnically motivated ones.”
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric
Despite efforts to deliver relief, humanitarian convoys remain blocked outside the city. More than 70 trucks loaded with aid supplies are stranded in Nyala, South Darfur, the UN’s humanitarian coordination office (OCHA) confirmed on Thursday.
Repeated attacks on aid workers and assets in North Darfur have further complicated delivery operations, raising fears that assistance may not reach those most in need.
Ceasefire Call And UN Resolution
“The Secretary-General calls for an immediate ceasefire in and around the El Fasher area,” Dujarric said, adding that Guterres urged the protection of civilians, safe passage for those wishing to leave, and unhindered humanitarian access.
Ramtane Lamamra, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, continues engaging with both parties and has pledged support for “genuine efforts to halt the violence and establish an inclusive political process that the people of Sudan demand.”
Sudan’s government has also amplified its accusations against the RSF. At a briefing in Port Sudan, officials shared details of atrocities they allege were committed by the paramilitary group during the prolonged siege.
Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Hussein Al-Amin said, “The terrorist RSF militia… has displaced 600,000 citizens from their homes.” He added that 260,000 people remain trapped, including 130,000 children suffering from malnutrition.
Foreign Diplomats Briefed On Siege
Al-Amin accused RSF fighters of raping 23 children, killing 1,000 others, and mutilating their bodies. He also said the group destroyed six schools and 35 hospitals in the city. “The international community must work together to deliver humanitarian aid,” he urged.
Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Salwa Adam Binnia appealed for the enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 2736, which ordered the RSF to end its siege of El Fasher. She said government relief efforts have been blocked.
Officials further reported 5,000 suspected cholera cases in El Fasher, leading to 98 deaths. Residents, they warned, are resorting to eating “al-ambaz,” a paste from peanut and sesame residue typically used as livestock feed.
During the Port Sudan briefing, authorities screened a documentary alleging RSF abuses.
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Sudan, Ali bin Hassan Jaafar, described the footage as “very painful” and reiterated his country’s position. “The United Nations and the international community must work diligently to end the blockade,” he said, noting Riyadh’s readiness to provide aid once access becomes possible.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF began in April 2023, derailing peace efforts despite a Jeddah declaration signed in June that year under Saudi and U.S. mediation to protect civilians. That agreement remains unimplemented.
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