The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Chaloka Beyani, has raised serious concerns over reports of mass atrocities and potential war crimes committed in El Fasher, Sudan, following the city’s capture by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after more than 500 days of siege.
Beyani said his office is closely monitoring the situation, citing “massive violations of international human rights law” and “direct attacks on civilians.” He confirmed that he had spoken with UN Resident Coordinator Denise Brown and plans to issue an advisory to Secretary-General António Guterres, the Security Council, and other UN bodies.
“When our office sounds the alarm, it indicates that the threshold is about to be crossed, and early action must be taken,” Beyani told UN News.
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The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that the humanitarian crisis in North Darfur is worsening, with thousands of displaced families lacking food, water, and shelter. Many are sleeping in the open in areas such as Tawila, Daba Al Naira, and Um Jangour.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) said it is urgently gathering evidence of alleged war crimes, including mass killings and sexual violence, as part of its ongoing investigation into atrocities committed since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
In response to growing international pressure, the RSF has reportedly agreed to a humanitarian ceasefire, brokered by mediators from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite the truce, UN officials warn that “the horror is continuing,” with civilians in Darfur enduring escalating violence and severe humanitarian deprivation.
