Members of the UNSC have called for safe humanitarian access in Al-Fashir amid escalating violence
The UN Security Council has condemned an assault by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the city of Al-Fashir in Sudan’s North Darfur, saying it threatens large-scale atrocities.
On Thursday, the Security Council “condemned reported atrocities being perpetrated by the RSF against the civilian population, including summary executions and arbitrary detentions” in and around Al-Fashir.
In its statement, the council recalled Resolution 2736 (2024), which demands that the RSF lift the siege of Al-Fashir and calls for de-escalation in the area.
Council members urged the RSF to implement the provisions of the resolution and called for all perpetrators of violations to be held accountable.
The statement also called on all parties to the conflict to “allow and facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access in a manner consistent with international law” and to protect civilians attempting to flee Al-Fashir.
According to the UN, “over 90% of children lack access to education and over 24 million people – 40% of the population – lack sufficient food” in the city.
“The Sudan crisis is, at its core, a failure of protection, and our responsibility to uphold international law,” Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said. He also announced $20 million in new UN funding for the states of Darfur and Kordofan.
The RSF announced on Sunday that it had taken full control of Al‑Fashir. A spokesperson for the group also said it had taken complete control of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Sixth Infantry Division command.
The number of civilians killed during the attack by the RSF in the city on October 26-27 may exceed 2,000, according to news agency Akhbar al‑Asr, citing the Sudanese Doctors’ Union. The RSF has demanded a $1 million ransom for six kidnapped healthcare workers, the Sudan Doctors’ Network has stated.
RSF commander Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo admitted that his forces committed “some violations” during the capture of Al-Fashir. In a video statement, he said a committee had been formed to investigate the abuses and promised public trials for those responsible.
