The United Nations has requested safe passage for civilians in the Sudanese city of El-Fasher following claims by paramilitary fighters that they have taken control of the army’s main base in the area. The Sudanese military has not confirmed the loss of this strategic site, which would represent a significant gain for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the ongoing civil conflict.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the recent escalation in fighting as distressing, highlighting the severe situation for civilians. El-Fasher has endured a siege by the RSF and allied forces for the past 18 months, and it is noted as the last major army stronghold in the western Darfur region.
Intense battles erupted over the weekend when RSF fighters reportedly captured the residence of the North Darfur governor. Social media footage has shown RSF members celebrating the alleged takeover of the army’s headquarters. However, local allies of the army maintain that fighting persists in parts of the city. The RSF has faced accusations of targeting civilians, with reports indicating that approximately 250,000 individuals have been encircled and are on the verge of starvation due to restricted access to essential resources.
Tom Fletcher, the UN’s top humanitarian official, expressed concern regarding civilian casualties and emphasized the need for safe passage for civilians to access humanitarian aid. The United States has also joined calls for safe passage and is engaging in efforts to establish a ceasefire.
The conflict in Sudan has persisted since 2023, stemming from a power struggle between the RSF and members of the Sudanese army. The ongoing violence has resulted in the deaths of over 150,000 people and displaced about 12 million individuals, contributing to a significant humanitarian crisis. The RSF currently controls most of Darfur and much of the neighboring Kordofan region, while the army maintains control over the northern and eastern regions.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gw8w73lngo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss