UN Rights Office Alerts of Severe Atrocities Occurring in El-Fasher, Sudan

As the conflict in Sudan escalates, the dire humanitarian situation in el-Fasher highlights the urgent need for international attention and intervention. Following the recent takeover of this pivotal city by the Rapid Support Forces, reports of brutal violence against civilians have emerged, transforming it into a tragic epicenter of suffering. Amidst this turmoil, the resolve of local and international aid organizations underscores a commitment to support those affected, emphasizing the importance of a collective humanitarian response.

The United Nations Human Rights Office has reported a significant increase in violence and suffering in el-Fasher, a city in the beleaguered region of Darfur, since the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control last month. In a powerful statement, Li Fung, the UN’s human rights representative in Sudan, lamented the city’s transformation into a “city of grief,” with brutal attacks on civilians sharply escalating over the last ten days.

The toll on the local population has been catastrophic, with reports of hundreds of civilians killed—including women and children—who previously sought refuge in hospitals and schools. As safety eludes many, entire families are being devastated, with countless individuals going missing during the chaos. Aid organizations have highlighted the plight of those fleeing from the capital of North Darfur state, currently facing abysmal conditions in the nearby town of Tawila.

According to Adam Rojal, spokesperson for Sudan’s internally displaced persons (IDPs) and Refugee Camps aid group, more than 16,000 people have fled to Tawila, where they are in desperate need of food, medicine, and shelter materials. Video footage from the region depicts displaced individuals living in makeshift tents, underscoring the dire lack of resources. Many families report surviving on minimal food and the health crisis is grave, with Doctors Without Borders noting alarming rates of malnutrition among both children and adults.

Mathilde Vu, advocacy manager for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Sudan, detailed the heartbreaking reality that many children now arriving in Tawila are orphaned, having lost their parents during their harrowing journey. Tawila has become one of several refuge sites as people flee from el-Fasher, following the RSF’s takeover, which has marked the last remaining military stronghold in Darfur.

The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated further by alarming evidence of “mass killings,” as documented in a report from Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab. The International Organization for Migration estimates that approximately 82,000 individuals have escaped el-Fasher and surrounding areas, heading toward various towns in search of safety amid an environment of escalating violence.

Besides the humanitarian challenge in Darfur, stability in the North Kordofan region remains precarious. This week, el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, suffered a devastating drone attack which left at least 40 individuals dead. As the RSF continues its campaign of expansion, fears of an imminent assault on el-Obeid grow, especially following its recent capture of the nearby town of Bara.

As the situation deteriorates, the conflict has resulted in at least 40,000 fatalities, according to the World Health Organization, and conditions show no sign of de-escalation. Despite a ceasefire proposal from the Quad, a coalition of international mediators including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States, the responses have been mixed. While the RSF expressed a willingness to negotiate, violence continued, indicating the complexities of achieving peace in Sudan.

Amid these developments, Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minnawi highlighted a critical point on social media, asserting that any ceasefire that does not address the RSF’s withdrawal could lead to further fragmentation of Sudan. With the RSF claiming control over all five state capitals in the western region, Sudan stands at a precarious crossroads, emphasizing the urgent need for concerted efforts to restore peace and provide humanitarian relief.

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