Sudan: Guterres calls the ceasefire to El Fasher, deplores the “implacable” militia attacks

António Guterres said he was “dismayed by incessant attacks” by the militia of the rapid support forces (RSF) on the capital of the North State, the United Nations spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, said in A declaration.

The paramilitary group and the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) have been fighting for control of the country devastated since April 2023 and El Fasher has been the epicenter of the struggle for more than 500 days.

Bombing, incursions and summary executions

The past few weeks have experienced almost continuous bombing in the city and have repeated fatal incursions in the adjoining abu shouk travel camp, where the famine conditions were identified last December.

Since August 11, the UN has documented the murder of at least 125 civilians in the El Fasher region, including summary executions – although the real number is probably higher.

“The secretary general is alarmed by the serious risks of serious violations of international humanitarian law as well as violations and abuses of international human rights law, including ethnically motivatedSaid Dujarric.

Help entry on hold

Meanwhile, supplies are pre-positioned near El Fasher, but the UN and the partners continue to face obstacles to move them to the city.

Some 70 humanitarian assistance trucks are currently waiting in Nyala in southern Darfur, a senior manager of the United Nations Coordination Office Ochha said Thursday in New York.

Mr. Dujarric has also noted that repeated attacks on humanitarian staff and active northern Darfur have occurred in recent months.

Ceasefire and lasting peace

“The secretary general calls an immediate ceasefire in and around the El Fasher region,” he said.

In addition, the UN chief “insists Immediate measures must be taken to protect civilians and allow safe, undoubted and supported humanitarian aid in the regionAnd allow all civilians who seek to leave the region voluntarily to do so in complete safety. »»

In the meantime, the secretary general’s personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, continues to engage the parties at war and “is ready to support real efforts to stop violence and establish an inclusive political process that the people of Sudan” ask “.