The United Nations said on Monday it was receiving increasing reports of intensified attacks on El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s war-torn North Darfur region, with growing concerns over civilian safety.
U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, speaking on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, said casualty figures were not yet available but expressed grave concern over civilians fleeing Zamzam camp and the deteriorating conditions in and around El Fasher.
“Famine conditions have been identified in Zamzam and other displacement sites in the area,” Dujarric said. “Key humanitarian partners have been forced to suspend operations due to severe insecurity during the latest wave of violent attacks.”
He added that the U.N. was receiving “alarming reports” of abuses, including arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation at checkpoints controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). El Fasher itself remains under siege, with ongoing shelling of civilian areas.
Dujarric called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, urging safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the region. “Civilians, including humanitarian workers, must be protected, and safe passage must be ensured,” he said.
Meanwhile, authorities in Sudan’s Northern State reported the arrival of thousands of displaced people from Zamzam camp, Al Malha town in North Darfur, and Omdurman in Khartoum.
The U.N. said most of the displaced were sheltering in flimsy structures or with relatives, surviving on just one meal a day. They urgently need food, water, sanitation, nutrition, shelter, and other critical aid.