GENEVA: The United Nations issued a “stark warning” on Friday over preparations for intensified fighting in Sudan’s Kordofan region, renewing calls for an immediate end to the violence.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), engaged in conflict with Sudan’s regular army since April 2023, announced on Thursday that they had accepted a humanitarian truce proposal put forward by mediators.
After capturing El-Fasher in late October, the army’s last major stronghold in western Darfur, the RSF appears to be shifting its focus eastward toward Khartoum and the oil-rich Kordofan region.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk highlighted the plight of civilians in El-Fasher, describing them as traumatised and trapped, with their movement blocked despite the ongoing humanitarian truce.
“I fear that the abominable atrocities such as summary executions, rape, and ethnically motivated violence are continuing within the city,” he said in a statement.
And for those who do manage to escape, the exit routes have been the scenes of “unimaginable cruelty”, he added.
“At the same time, I issue a stark warning about events unfolding in Kordofan,” said Turk.
“Since the capture of El-Fasher, the civilian casualties, destruction, and mass displacement there have been mounting. There is no sign of de-escalation.
“To the contrary, developments on the ground indicate clear preparations for intensified hostilities, with everything that implies for its long-suffering people.”
Turk warned that in light of the “cataclysmic violence” in the city, the international community has been put on notice, without swift and decisive action, “there will be more of the carnage and atrocities we have already witnessed.”
He also called for an immediate halt to the provision of military support to parties committing serious human rights violations.
“I repeat my plea for an immediate end to the violence both in Darfur and Kordofan. Bold and urgent action is required by the international community,” said Turk.
The International Criminal Court has voiced “profound alarm and deepest concern” over the reports from El-Fasher, adding that such acts “may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
The war between the RSF and Sudan’s army, which erupted in April 2023, has killed more than 40,000 people, according to UN estimates. Aid groups say the true toll is likely far higher.
More than 14 million people have been displaced, and two regions of the country are facing famine conditions, according to the United Nations. Disease outbreaks and widespread hunger have compounded the crisis.
