Will the UN Chief's Call for Ceasefire in Sudan's El Fasher Be Heeded?
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Synopsis
Amid the ongoing crisis in El Fasher, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made a pressing appeal for a ceasefire. With hundreds of thousands of civilians in peril, the call for humanitarian assistance becomes increasingly vital. Will the international community respond in time to avert further tragedy?
Key Takeaways
- Urgent ceasefire called by UN Secretary-General.
- El Fasher has been under siege for over 500 days.
- Over 260,000 civilians trapped, with dire humanitarian conditions.
- UNICEF reports alarming rates of malnutrition among children.
- Immediate action required to protect civilians and facilitate aid.
United Nations, Aug 30 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urgently called for a ceasefire in and around the El Fasher region of Sudan's North Darfur, as reported by his spokesperson.
The UN leader expressed his horror at the ongoing assaults by the Rapid Support Forces targeting North Darfur's capital, according to spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a statement released on Friday.
"El Fasher has been subjected to an escalating siege for over 500 days, leaving hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped within its confines," Dujarric emphasized.
The secretary-general has raised concerns regarding the severe threats of significant breaches of international humanitarian law as well as violations of human rights law, including those motivated by ethnicity, as reported by Xinhua.
In recent weeks, the area has experienced relentless shelling and persistent lethal incursions into the Abu Shouk displacement camp, where famine conditions were recognized back in December 2024.
Since August 11, the UN has recorded at least 125 civilian deaths in the El Fasher area, including summary executions, with the actual number likely being higher, noted the spokesman.
Though supplies are pre-positioned nearby, efforts by the United Nations and its partners to deliver them to El Fasher continue to be obstructed. Humanitarian personnel and assets in North Darfur have faced repeated attacks in recent months, according to Dujarric.
The UN chief "demands immediate actions to safeguard civilians and ensure the secure, unimpeded, and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid into the area, allowing civilians wishing to leave to do so safely," stated the spokesman.
On August 28, UN humanitarian workers reported that after 500 days under siege, El Fasher city has become the epicenter of suffering for children.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has indicated that the already critical situation in North Darfur is deteriorating alarmingly.
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that malnutrition, disease, and violence are claiming young lives daily in El Fasher, with around 260,000 civilians, half of whom are children, trapped in the city and cut off from humanitarian support for over 16 months.
UNICEF also reported that more than 10,000 children in El Fasher have received treatment for severe acute malnutrition since January, nearly double last year’s figures. At least 63 individuals, primarily women and children, have reportedly succumbed to malnutrition within a single week.
Point of View
It's imperative to highlight the dire circumstances in El Fasher. The UN's push for a ceasefire reflects not just a humanitarian obligation but also a moral imperative. We must support efforts that prioritize civilian safety and aid access, ensuring that the international community remains vigilant and responsive to this escalating crisis.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation in El Fasher?
El Fasher has been under siege for over 500 days, with rampant violence and a humanitarian crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of civilians.
How many civilians are affected?
Approximately 260,000 civilians, including many children, are trapped in El Fasher and cut off from humanitarian assistance.
What actions has the UN taken?
The UN Secretary-General has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged for the protection of civilians and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
What are the main humanitarian issues?
The region is facing severe malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and violence, leading to daily fatalities among vulnerable populations.
Is the international community responding?
The UN is urging the international community to take decisive action to alleviate the suffering and protect civilians in El Fasher.
