The warning comes after the announcement by the ‘Rapid Support Forces,’ which have been in conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023, following their capture of the city of El Fasher, the last stronghold of the army in the Darfur region, at the end of October. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, confirmed that civilians in El Fasher are being prevented from leaving and are facing horrific violations, including summary executions and ethnically motivated sexual violence. He noted that those fleeing are subjected to ‘unbelievable cruelty’ on the roads. Turk explained that developments on the ground in Kordofan indicate clear preparations for an escalation of the fighting, warning of severe humanitarian consequences for the population amidst rising civilian casualties, mass displacement, and the absence of any signs of de-escalation.
The United Nations accused the ‘Rapid Support Forces’ of committing killings, looting, and sexual violence in El Fasher, while Turk emphasized the need to stop any military support for the parties involved in the violations and called for urgent international action to stop the violence in Darfur and Kordofan. He pointed out that ‘the fall of El Fasher has given the ‘Rapid Support Forces’ control over the capitals of the five Darfur states, raising concerns about Sudan’s potential division between the east and west of the country.’
The war that erupted between the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023 has led to the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of millions, with the city of El Fasher, the battleground in Darfur, suffering destruction due to shelling.
