UN chief calls for protection of civilians in El Fasher
August 11, 2024 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm at the evolving situation in El Fasher in the North Darfur region of Sudan, calling for the protection of civilians.
Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the Secretary General, said on Sunday that fierce fighting was reported in the famine-stricken area of North Darfur.
Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and elements of the Armed Struggle Movements in El Fasher have left civilians in the crossfire of a conflict that was triggered in April 2023 by rival militaries.
“These clashes have devastating consequences for the civilian population,” Farhan Haq said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.
He added, “The fighting will also further exacerbate humanitarian needs in and around El Fasher at a time when famine conditions have been confirmed in Zamzam camp south of El Fasher and is likely prevailing in other displacement sites in the city.”
A recent assessment by the Famine Review Committee (FRC) of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) concluded that famine conditions are prevalent in parts of North Darfur, including the Zamzam camp in El Fasher.
The Zamzam Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, south of El Fasher town is one of the largest IDP camps with an estimated population of at least 500,000. The situation has been worsened by the escalating violence in Sudan, which has been persisting for over 15 months now, severely impeding humanitarian access.
“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect and allow safe passage for civilians and facilitate rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access,” Haq explained.
The UN chief, his deputy spokesperson stated, also reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and lasting ceasefire and urged the parties to return to political dialogue as the only path to a negotiated settlement.
“The United Nations remains committed to supporting international mediation efforts and to working with all relevant stakeholders to help bring an end to the war,” he stressed.
According to the UN, about 25.6 million people or over half of the population of Sudan face acute hunger, including more than 755,000 people on the brink of famine. Also, an estimated 10.7 million people are now internally displaced in Sudan.
(ST)