UN chief urges a cease-fire in Sudan as conflict escalates dangerously.

UN Chief Warns Sudan’s Civil War Is Out of Control

The United Nations Secretary-General issued a stark warning on Tuesday regarding the escalating civil war in Sudan, stating that the conflict is “spiraling out of control.” This comes after militant groups took over the beleaguered city of El Fasher in Darfur, where many residents are facing starvation.

Antonio Guterres reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire during his address in Qatar, highlighting the conflict’s devastating humanitarian effects over the past two years.

“Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped in this siege,” he noted. “People are dying from malnutrition, disease, and violence,” referencing troubling reports of executions since the rapid support forces (RSF) took over the city.

Last week, the RSF seized El Fasher, resulting in over 450 fatalities in hospitals. They stand accused of committing ethnic-based killings and sexual violence against civilians, having besieged the city for 18 months and cutting off essential supplies for tens of thousands.

While the RSF denies these allegations, testimonies from those who have fled, along with video evidence and satellite images, paint a grim picture of the situation. However, communication issues in the region make it difficult to ascertain the full extent of the violence.

Demand for More Weapons in Sudan

This warfare, ongoing since April 2023 between the RSF and the Sudanese army, has resulted in more than 40,000 deaths according to the UN, though some aid organizations suggest the real numbers could be significantly higher.

More than 14 million individuals have been displaced due to the conflict, which is also leading to a surge in disease. Alarmingly, two regions in Sudan are currently facing famine, raising concerns about a possible spread of this crisis.

When asked about the possibility of international peacekeeping forces in Sudan, Guterres emphasized the importance of uniting the international community to halt the violence. He also stressed that no more weapons should enter the country and called for accountability mechanisms due to the horrific crimes being committed.

A recent RSF drone strike on a children’s hospital in North Darfur left seven dead, including children, according to reports from the Sudan Doctors Network.

El Fasher’s Struggles and Displacement

Since RSF took control of El Fasher, around 71,000 individuals have been evacuated, as reported by the UN migration agency. Many have reached displaced persons camps, such as one near Tawila, 65 kilometers away.

Habib Allah Yacoub, 27, shared that he and his pregnant wife walked to safety after their home was destroyed. They traveled for two days, thankful to reach safety, although Yacoub suffered a gunshot wound while trying to fetch water before fleeing.

Samiya Ibrahim, 38, recounted how RSF gunmen surrounded her house while she was with her children and husband. Although they managed to escape, her husband became separated from them. “The RSF beat and tortured us. They took all our belongings and left us with nothing. I don’t even know if my husband is alive or dead,” she said, while her child sat quietly beside her.