UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that Sudan’s civil war is rapidly spinning out of control. He urged all parties involved to take immediate steps to halt the violence and conflict.
Speaking to journalists during a sideline meeting at the World Social Development Summit in Doha, Guterres said that El Fasher in North Darfur and surrounding areas have become epicentres of hunger, violence and mass displacement. The situation has worsened following the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) takeover of El Fasher, leaving hundreds of thousands trapped under siege, with many dying from malnutrition, disease and violence.
Meanwhile, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) held discussions on Tuesday regarding the implementation of a US-proposed ceasefire. The talks focused on conditions for enforcing the truce, including the withdrawal of RSF fighters from Sudanese cities, particularly El Fasher. However, analysts believe deep mistrust between SAF and RSF could make any ceasefire short-lived, complicating prospects for lasting peace.
For the past 18 months, clashes between SAF and the UAE-backed RSF have plunged Sudan into what the UN describes as one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century. More than 150,000 people have been killed and over 14 million displaced.
Last week, after the RSF seized El Fasher, videos emerged showing their fighters firing on civilians. Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court have confirmed they are collecting evidence of mass killings, rape and other war crimes committed in the region.
TSN