Atrocities Escalate in Sudan’s El Fasher, Warns UN

A young boy who fled El Fasher with his family rests in a camp for displaced people. (file)

Grave atrocities, including summary executions, are reportedly being carried out in the Darfuri regional capital of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, according to the UN human rights office (OHCHR).

The agency has received reports of civilians being executed while trying to flee what was the last Sudanese military stronghold of El Fasher, with indications of ethnically motivated killings. Reports also suggest that former combatants who surrendered have been executed, a violation of international humanitarian law.

“The risk of further large-scale, ethnically motivated violations and atrocities in El Fasher is mounting by the day,” warned UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

‘Urgent and Concrete Action’

Türk urged that “urgent and concrete action” be taken to ensure the protection of civilians in El Fasher and to provide safe passage for those attempting to reach safety.

The alarming reports come as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to deteriorate following the outbreak of conflict in 2023. More than 12 million people are displaced or stateless, and over 24 million face hunger, making it one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Hundreds of people have reportedly been detained while attempting to flee, including a journalist, OHCHR said. There were also reports of numerous civilian deaths, including local humanitarian volunteers, due to heavy artillery shelling last week.

‘External Interference’

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking to reporters in Southeast Asia on Monday, described the situation as a “terrible escalation” and called on the international community to hold accountable countries supplying weapons to the warring parties. He urged immediate steps toward a ceasefire.

Guterres noted that the conflict is being worsened not only by fighting between the army and the RSF but also by “external interference,” which undermines efforts for a ceasefire and political resolution.

Malnourished and Traumatised

“Civilians fleeing El Fasher are often held for ransom along routes controlled by militia,” said Denise Brown, UN humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, during a press briefing on Monday.

She said humanitarian organisations are receiving adults and children who are “dehydrated, malnourished, some injured and all traumatised.”

According to OHCHR, five men were executed by the RSF for attempting to bring food into the city, which has been under blockade for 18 months. Brown added that some victims were accused of supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and reports suggest dozens of civilians have been killed.

She warned that dire funding shortages — only 27 per cent of the required amount has been secured — have hampered the UN’s ability to respond to the needs of those “traumatised, raped and starving.”

Humanitarian Workers at Risk

Nearly 130 aid workers have been killed since the conflict began in April 2023, including several volunteers in El Fasher, Brown said.

“These people are the backbone of the humanitarian response in the most difficult areas, and they are also protected under international humanitarian law,” she added.

Türk reiterated that RSF commanders are obligated under international law to protect civilians and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian assistance.