UN chief 'deeply concerned' by tensions in Sudan's El Fasher city
New York, US (PANA) - The UN Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the escalation in tensions between armed actors in El Fasher, North Darfur, an area already on the brink of famine, his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, has disclosed.
Mr. Antonio Guterres referred to "alarming reports" indicating that an attack on El Fasher may be "imminent", warning that "such an attack would be devastating for civilians in the city and could lead to an expansion of the conflict along intercommunal lines across the five Darfur states".
An official statement by Mr. Dujarric said the UN chief noted that El Fasher is a humanitarian hub for the United Nations that ensures lifesaving assistance is distributed across the five Darfur states in accordance with needs.
"The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and a durable cessation of hostilities. He also calls on the Parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law to protect civilians and facilitate full and unrestricted humanitarian access to all areas in need," the statement said.
The UN said it remains committed to supporting international mediation efforts and to working with all relevant stakeholders to help bring an end to the war.
The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Ramtane Lamamra, is continuing his engagement to advance peace efforts in Sudan, as the bloody fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces enters the second year.
Sudan was plunged into a devastating war one year ago leaving in its wake almost 15,000 dead, eight million civilians on the run, 25 million in dire need of assistance and warnings from humanitarians about famine, aid blockades and a growing list of atrocities on all sides.
It has also been been characterised by rape, murder, hunger, corpses filling streets, making it impossible to walk.
Many efforts by the UN, regional bodies and countries to end the war have so far failed.
-0- PANA MA 15April2024
