The United States issued a warning on Monday, stating that the imminent assault on El Fasher in Darfur would result in dire consequences for the 800,000 residents of the city. Furthermore, the US appealed to regional nations to cease their backing of Sudan's opposing factions.
Currently, ElFasher is surrounded by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, with whom the Sudanese military has been immersed in a prolonged and intense conflict spanning over a year.
The Sudanese army appeared to be repositioning as well, leading the United Nations to announce last week that an assault on the capital might be forthcoming.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations, underscored the prevailing awareness of the situation in Sudan. It is evident that both factions involved are receiving weapons and various forms of assistance to perpetuate their destructive activities. In a sincere plea, she implored all regional powers to promptly halt the supply of weapons to both parties, aligning with the arms embargo enforced by the United Nations.
El Fasher stands as the sole prominent city beyond the control of the RSF within the expansive western Darfur territory.
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield reiterated her concern by stating that the unfolding events in Darfur are deeply alarming. She emphasized the potential disastrous consequences of an assault on El Fasher, as it would endanger the lives of 500,000 internally displaced individuals. Additionally, she underscored the utmost importance of all member states openly expressing their viewpoints and called upon the entire international community to unite and vigorously advocate for this noble cause.
According to estimates provided by the United Nations, the civil dispute has led to the unfortunate loss of lives for a significant number of individuals, ranging between 10,000 and 15,000. Moreover, this dire situation has forced approximately eight million individuals to seek shelter in other regions, exacerbating the already precarious circumstances faced by the nation and pushing it dangerously close to the brink of famine.
In Jeddah, Ms. Thomas-Greenfield supported direct talks between the Sudanese military and the RSF.
Both parties have refused to resume negotiations, and international efforts led by the United States and Saudi Arabia to facilitate a ceasefire have proven unsuccessful.
The Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, James Kariuki, communicated to journalists that the Security Council holds deep concern regarding the humanitarian situation.
He commented following a private meeting regarding the current situation in Sudan, expressing specific concern regarding the alarming matter of restricted humanitarian access resulting from the impediments imposed by both parties involved in the conflict.