The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that the ongoing siege in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in Sudan, has resulted in the deaths of 782 civilians and left over 1,143 injured. The report, published on Friday, paints a grim picture of indiscriminate attacks and a dire humanitarian crisis.
Thousands of civilians remain besieged in the city without safe passage, facing continuous shelling, airstrikes, and artillery fire from all parties involved in the conflict.
UN Calls for an End to the Siege
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned the situation, urging the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to lift the siege immediately.
“The continuing siege of El Fasher and the relentless fighting are devastating lives every day on a massive scale. This alarming situation cannot continue,” Turk stated.
Conflict Between RSF and SAF
For seven months, El Fasher has been a battleground between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), supported by allied groups such as the Sudan Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement.
The OHCHR report highlights the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, raising concerns about violations of international law and potential war crimes.
Civilian Suffering in Escalating Violence
Key findings from the report include:
- Intense Shelling: RSF and SAF forces engaged in heavy exchanges of fire in civilian areas, killing dozens in June.
- Attacks on Homes and Markets: Civilians were targeted in their homes and markets, with widespread looting.
- Hospital Damage: Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital, the only public hospital still operational in El Fasher, has been repeatedly shelled.
- Displacement Camp Attacks: Internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, including Zamzam and Abu Shouk, have faced RSF shelling, leaving 15 displaced people dead in Zamzam alone.
Warnings of Further Hostilities
The report warns that escalating mobilization along tribal lines and increased military presence in camps like Zamzam signal preparations for further conflict.
“Any large-scale attack on Zamzam camp and El Fasher city will catapult civilian suffering to catastrophic levels, deepening the already dire humanitarian situation,” Turk cautioned.
Calls for Immediate Action
The UN has called for:
- An immediate cessation of hostilities.
- Compliance with international law by all parties to the conflict.
- Good-faith participation in mediation efforts.
- Increased international efforts to prevent further escalation.
The OHCHR emphasized that failure to act would worsen the humanitarian crisis, risking famine and catastrophic civilian suffering.
