A Flawed Resolution: UN Security Council’s limited protection for civilians in Darfur
Mohamed Badawi
On June 13, 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution addressing the dire situation in El Fasher, North Darfur. While the resolution, brought forth by the United Kingdom, received support from 14 members, its limitations raise concerns about its effectiveness in protecting civilians amidst the ongoing conflict.
The resolution calls for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to end their siege of El Fasher, withdraw from the surrounding areas, cease hostilities, and allow for the free movement of civilians within the city. However, by focusing solely on El Fasher and excluding other vulnerable areas in the region, the resolution’s impact is significantly weakened.
Civilians venturing beyond El Fasher’s borders remain exposed to danger. Notably, the nearby city of Mellit, a crucial customs port and a lifeline for those fleeing the conflict, falls outside the resolution’s purview. Mellit has served as a vital transit point for civilians seeking refuge in Libya and a critical source of essential goods for all of Darfur. Its exclusion from the resolution raises questions about the council’s commitment to comprehensive civilian protection.
The resolution’s narrow scope could inadvertently empower the RSF to simply shift their operations to unprotected areas, thus undermining the intended goal of safeguarding civilians. A more effective approach would have entailed a broader focus on protecting civilians and their property across the region, preventing hostilities in cities and safe havens, and ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian aid.
The Security Council could have taken a more proactive stance by considering the plight of civilians in other vulnerable areas, such as Al Jazirah, River Nile, and eastern Sudan. A comprehensive resolution addressing these regions would have sent a stronger message of the international community’s commitment to protecting civilians throughout Sudan.
In conclusion, while the UN Security Council’s resolution on El Fasher is a step in the right direction, its limited scope raises significant concerns. To truly safeguard civilians in Darfur and beyond, a more holistic and comprehensive approach is needed, one that addresses the complex realities of the conflict and ensures the protection of all vulnerable populations.