UN alarmed by escalating violence in North Darfur, calls for immediate ceasefire

English , International - بین الاقوامی , / Monday, August 12th, 2024

RKI Web Desk
The United Nations expressed deep concern on Sunday over the intensifying conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is “deeply alarmed” by the situation in El Fasher, where fierce clashes are occurring, according to spokesperson Farhan Haq.
“These clashes are having devastating consequences for civilians,” Haq stated, emphasizing that the ongoing violence will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in and around El Fasher. Famine conditions have already been confirmed in the Zamzam camp, south of El Fasher, and are likely affecting other displacement sites in the region.
The Secretary-General urged all parties to honor their obligations under international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians and allowing safe passage for humanitarian aid. He reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged a return to political dialogue as the only viable path to a negotiated settlement.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, with fighting between forces led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the ruling Sovereign Council, and the RSF, led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The conflict has resulted in over 12,260 deaths and more than 33,000 injuries, according to UN reports. Nearly 6.8 million people have been displaced, seeking safety within Sudan or in neighboring countries. Several ceasefire agreements brokered by Saudi Arabia and the U.S. have failed to halt the violence.