"Rapid Support Forces" control El Fasher and the UN demands a safe passage for civilians

SadaNews - UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, has called for the provision of a safe passage for civilians trapped in the Sudanese city of El Fasher and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches them, following the announcement of the Rapid Support Forces’ complete control over the city.

The Rapid Support Forces announced this Monday morning their control over El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Sudan, the last major city under army control, after a siege lasting more than a year.

Fletcher stated in a statement: "As fighters advance into the city and escape routes are cut off, hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped and terrified, under bombardment and starving, with no access to food, healthcare, or safety."

He added: "I am extremely concerned about reports indicating civilian casualties and forced displacement amid escalating fighting, as the city is being devastated by intense bombardment and ground attacks."

The UN official emphasized the necessity of allowing humanitarian aid to reach all civilians in need safely, swiftly, and unimpeded, noting that the UN has life-saving supplies ready for distribution, but intense assaults hinder their delivery.

Fletcher called for an immediate ceasefire in El Fasher, halting attacks on civilians, hospitals, and humanitarian operations, and protecting civilians who have decided to remain in the city, including doctors and local relief workers.

The Rapid Support Forces have besieged El Fasher since May 10, 2024, as the Sudanese army seeks to break the siege on the city, which is the center for humanitarian operations for the five Darfur states.

UN organizations warned in a joint statement on Thursday of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Darfur, emphasizing that "entire groups are living in conditions that are incompatible with dignity."

The four UN agencies, namely the International Organization for Migration, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme, called for urgent international attention to address the increasing suffering and risks faced by the population.