UN chief ‘gravely alarmed’ by RSF assault on El Fasher

September 21, 2024 (UNITED NATIONS) – U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed grave alarm over reports of a full-scale assault on El Fasher, North Darfur, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and called for an immediate halt to the attack.

Guterres urged RSF leader Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, to “act responsibly” and order his forces to cease hostilities, emphasizing the “unconscionable” disregard for repeated ceasefire calls by the warring parties.

The secretary-general warned that further escalation could ignite intercommunal conflict throughout Darfur, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region where hundreds of thousands are in acute need.

He underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire across all conflict zones in Sudan and reminded the parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Guterres reiterated his special envoy Volker Perthes’ commitment to peace efforts and expressed readiness to support genuine attempts to end the violence. He also highlighted the preparedness of humanitarian organizations to scale up assistance in El Fasher and other areas.

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April between the army and the RSF, has killed thousands and displaced millions.