The United Nations condemns horrific attacks on displaced persons' camps in El Fasher

The United Nations condemns horrific attacks on displaced persons' camps in El Fasher and calls for accountability for perpetrators.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the killing of dozens of civilians in attacks on El Fasher, Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps, and other nearby sites hosting displaced persons in North Darfur.

According to reports, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) forces carried out coordinated ground and air attacks on the area. At least nine humanitarian workers from an international non-governmental organization (NGO) were confirmed killed while operating one of the few remaining health centers in the area. More than 100 other people, including more than 20 children, are feared to have been killed in the attack on Friday.

In a statement attributable to his Spokesperson, the Secretary-General recalled that the number of humanitarian workers killed in Sudan has now risen to more than 90 since the conflict began in April 2023.

Mr. Guterres said that the El Fasher area has been under siege for more than a year, "depriving hundreds of thousands of people of life-saving humanitarian assistance," and noted that famine had been observed in Zamzam camp and two other camps for internally displaced persons in the area.

He emphasized that targeted attacks against civilians and indiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law and emphasized the need to respect and protect humanitarian and medical personnel.

He said, "The perpetrators of these attacks must be brought to justice. Safe, unhindered, and sustained access to the area, including Zamzam camp, is urgently needed. Civilians wishing to leave must be allowed to do so safely."

With the second anniversary of the conflict approaching on 15 April, the Secretary-General urged the parties to immediately cease fighting and take steps toward an inclusive political process "to put Sudan on the path to peace and stability." He also renewed his call on the international community to unite its efforts "to end this horrific conflict."

For her part, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan expressed "appalled and deeply concerned" about the attacks, describing this deadly and unacceptable escalation as "the latest in a series of brutal attacks on displaced persons and aid workers."

Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami said in a statement: "Zam Zam and Abu Shouk camps are among the largest displacement camps in Darfur, sheltering more than 700,000 people who have fled recurring cycles of violence over the years. These families—many of whom have already been displaced multiple times—find themselves once again caught in the crossfire, with nowhere safe to go. This must end now. Safe passages must be guaranteed for all those trying to flee."

The UN official demanded that those responsible for these "horrific and unjustifiable" acts be held accountable. She called on all parties involved in the hostilities to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers.

The Humanitarian Coordinator emphasized that efforts to engage with the parties to facilitate access to civilians in El Fasher and the surrounding displacement camps, particularly Zamzam camp, have so far yielded no results.

She expressed grave concern about the escalating violence across Darfur as the two-year anniversary of the devastating conflict in Sudan approaches, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the country, "as we cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities."