The United Nations has issued warnings about the escalating conflict in Sudan’s western Darfur region, with paramilitary forces encircling the only capital they haven’t captured, El Fasher. This is posing a significant threat to the city’s 800,000 residents, and the U.N. has called on the Rapid Support Forces and government forces to refrain from fighting in the area. The conflict, which has been ongoing for a year, between rival generals has led to a crisis of epic proportions, with tensions escalating and resulting in the displacement of 40,000 people and civilian casualties. Humanitarian access to El Fasher has been cut off, impacting aid deliveries to the region.
The situation in Darfur has been steadily deteriorating, with fighting spreading to other parts of the country, including urban areas. The conflict, which began in mid-April 2023, has led to over 14,000 deaths, tens of thousands wounded, and millions in need of life-saving assistance. The Rapid Support Forces, an Arab-dominated paramilitary group, have been carrying out brutal attacks on ethnic African civilians, particularly the Masalit ethnic group. The group has gained control of most of the Darfur region, with El Fasher being its latest target, threatening the city’s residents and access to humanitarian aid.
The conflict in Sudan has historical roots in the genocide and war crimes committed in Darfur two decades ago, primarily by Janjaweed Arab militias. The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor has raised concerns about possible war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide being committed by both sides in the current conflict in Darfur. The Rapid Support Forces were initially formed from Janjaweed fighters by former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for charges of genocide and other crimes during the previous conflict in Darfur.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced, facing famine, and in need of assistance. The U.N. has called for safe passage for civilians to leave El Fasher and for the rival parties to de-escalate tensions in the region. The conflict has been fueled by foreign supporters providing weapons in violation of U.N. sanctions aimed at ending the violence. The U.N.’s efforts to engage with the parties involved to address the escalating tensions and allow for the delivery of life-saving aid to the region are crucial in mitigating the devastating impact of the conflict on the civilian population in Darfur.
