Intense Fighting in Western Sudan Raises Alarms at the United Nations

El-Fasher, Sudan – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has voiced deep concerns over escalating violence in El-Fasher, North Darfur, as fighting intensifies in western Sudan.

According to reports, both conflicting parties, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – along with their allied militias – have engaged in indiscriminate attacks, severely impacting civilians.

Speaking from Nairobi, the spokesperson for the UN human rights chief, X Magango, briefed reporters on the grim situation.

"At least 43 people, including women and children, have been killed since April 14, when the RSF initiated its offensive into El-Fasher,” Magango reported.

The assaults have involved the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects, such as mortar shells and rockets from fighter jets, devastating residential districts.

UN High Commissioner Volker Türk has urgently called for an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.

He emphasized the need for both parties to ensure the safety of civilians, protect civilian infrastructure, and facilitate unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

The situation is further complicated by ethnically motivated attacks, predominantly targeting the African Zaghawa community in western El-Fasher. Magango revealed distressing developments, including the burning of several villages such as Durma, Umoshosh, Sarafaya, and Ozbani by the RSF.

This pattern echoes previous ethnic violence in West Darfur between the Rizeigat and African Masalit communities, which resulted in significant casualties and displacement last year.

Civilians remaining in El-Fasher, a city still controlled by the SAF, are experiencing extreme hardship. “They are trapped in the city, living in fear of death should they try to flee.

The dire situation is compounded by a severe shortage of essential supplies, as the conflict has heavily restricted the delivery of commercial goods and humanitarian aid,” Magango added.

Local reports, including from the Sudan Tribune, indicate that Minni Minnawi, the governor of Darfur and a militia leader aligned with the national army, has accused the RSF of attempting to establish an unrecognized entity in the region.

This accusation highlights the complex political and military dynamics contributing to the ongoing instability and suffering in Darfur.

The international community remains watchful, with calls for peace and stability to be restored in a region long plagued by violence and humanitarian crises.