UN urges protection for civilians in El Fasher amid famine fears

September 16, 2024 (UNITED NATIONS) – The United Nations called on Sunday for warring parties in Sudan to protect civilians in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, amid reports of large-scale fighting that has displaced hundreds and impacted healthcare facilities and camps.

The UN’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed deep concern about the situation in El Fasher, which is home to hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people already at risk of famine.

The Zamzam camp, located in El Fasher, has already been confirmed to be experiencing famine conditions.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the International Organization for Migration estimates at least 250 people have been displaced in the latest round of fighting.

He did not have figures on the number of people facing famine or any confirmed deaths in the Zamzam camp, but said he would seek to provide that information.

The UN’s appeal comes amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, where conflict has raged since April between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.