UN warns of imminent, ethnically-driven atrocities in El Fasher
October 3, 2025 (GENEVA) – The United Nations human rights chief on Thursday warned of a looming catastrophe in El Fasher, North Darfur’s capital, and called for urgent action to prevent large-scale attacks as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensify their siege.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the city is “on the precipice of an even greater catastrophe” after more than 500 days of fighting.
The warning comes amid reports the RSF is moving long-range drones into South Darfur, raising fears of an escalation in hostilities.
At least 91 civilians were killed in El Fasher between Sept. 19 and 29 from RSF shelling, drone strikes and ground incursions, the UN said. The attacks appear to be a deliberate effort to force the mass displacement of civilians from the city and the nearby Abu Shouk camp.
Recent deadly incidents include a Sept. 19 drone strike on a mosque that killed at least 67 people and the shelling of a community kitchen on Sept. 30 that killed 23, according to credible reports received by the UN.
“Safe and voluntary passage of civilians must be ensured out of El Fasher,” Türk said, citing reports of summary executions, torture and looting against those attempting to flee.
He also highlighted the risk of renewed ethnically-motivated abuses, including the systematic use of sexual violence against Zaghawa women and girls, similar to attacks seen during an RSF offensive on the Zamzam camp in April.
The humanitarian situation for those trapped is dire, with dwindling access to food, water and healthcare. Türk pointed to “arbitrary RSF restrictions on bringing food and essential supplies into the city,” and “credible reports of civilians tortured and killed by RSF fighters for doing so.”
The UN reminded the warring parties that using starvation as a method of warfare is prohibited under international law.
Türk called for the immediate lifting of the siege and urged member states with influence to take concrete action to prevent further atrocity crimes. “Atrocities are not inevitable; they can be averted,” he said.