UN sounds alarm over El Fasher violence, demands aid access
April 22, 2025 (UNITED NATIONS) – The United Nations on Tuesday voiced grave concern over escalating clashes in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, citing reports of civilian deaths and warning of a humanitarian catastrophe amid severe aid restrictions.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stated during a press briefing that heavy fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in and around the city has resulted in civilian casualties and damage to essential infrastructure.
“We are deeply alarmed by the reports of intense fighting in El Fasher, North Darfur,” Dujarric said. “Civilians are once again caught in the crossfire, displacement camps have reportedly been impacted, and access to critical services like healthcare is severely hampered.”
The spokesperson highlighted that the violence is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, with aid agencies facing significant obstacles in delivering life-saving assistance.
“Humanitarian access into and within El Fasher is severely constrained due to the insecurity and deliberate impediments,” Dujarric noted. “We urgently call for safe, sustained, and unimpeded access for humanitarian personnel and supplies.”
The UN reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the area and urged all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and facilitate aid delivery.
El Fasher, a crucial hub sheltering hundreds of thousands of displaced people, had previously avoided the large-scale battles that devastated other major cities since the conflict erupted between the SAF and RSF in April 2023.
The ongoing conflict across Sudan has displaced millions, killed thousands, and pushed parts of the country towards famine conditions. Tuesday’s warning underscores the fear that continued fighting in El Fasher could trigger a further devastating wave of displacement and suffering.
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