UN Chief raises alarm over worsening crisis in El Fasher, Sudan

In recent weeks, violence has intensified, forcing thousands to flee displacement camps

by BRIAN ORUTA

Africa22 September 2025 - 08:50

In Summary

According to a statement by his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, El Fasher has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for more than 500 days.
The UN said residents of the Abu Shouk displacement camp, one of the largest in the region, have been forced to abandon their shelters after sustained attacks.

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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave alarm over the rapidly worsening situation in El Fasher, North Darfur, warning of escalating risks to civilians trapped in the besieged city.

According to a statement by his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, El Fasher has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for more than 500 days.

In recent weeks, violence has intensified, forcing thousands to flee displacement camps under relentless shelling and raids.

The UN said residents of the Abu Shouk displacement camp, one of the largest in the region, have been forced to abandon their shelters after sustained attacks.

On Friday, an assault struck a mosque in the area, reportedly killing dozens of worshippers.

“The situation in Abu Shouk and other displacement camps near El Fasher has deteriorated dramatically,” the statement read, noting that famine conditions had already been identified in the region last year.

With fighters advancing deeper into El Fasher, the UN warned of a rising risk of ethnically motivated violence.

Guterres reiterated his demand for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stressing that civilians must be respected and protected under international humanitarian law.

He further called for safe and unhindered humanitarian access, as well as guaranteed safe passage for civilians wishing to leave.

“Civilians continue to bear the brunt of this devastating conflict. The fighting must stop now,” the statement emphasized.

The Secretary-General urged both sides to engage in genuine dialogue, de-escalate the violence, and return to the negotiating table to seek a sustainable political solution.

With world leaders set to gather in New York next week for high-level UN meetings, Guterres renewed his call for concerted international action to support the Sudanese people.

He said his Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, remains ready to work with regional and international partners to end the conflict and pave the way for an inclusive political process.

Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF.

The conflict has displaced millions, pushed regions into famine, and left civilians trapped in areas of heavy fighting with limited humanitarian access.