United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Affairs Chief Tom Fletcher called Monday for an immediate ceasefire in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in Sudan, amid reports of large numbers of civilian casualties due to attacks on hospitals and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) taking control of the city.
The UN humanitarian affairs chief, who also serves as the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator stressed – in a statement – the urgent need to ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilians in need.
Fletcher said: “We have life-saving supplies ready, but the intense attacks have made it impossible for us to deliver assistance. Local humanitarian workers continue to save lives under heavy fire.”
He further voiced deep concern over reports of civilian deaths and forced displacement as fighting intensifies in the city, saying: “As fighters advance deeper into the city and block escape routes, hundreds of thousands of civilians are being trapped, terrified, bombarded and starving – with no access to food, healthcare or safety.”
Fletcher called for an immediate ceasefire across Darfur and throughout Sudan, emphasizing the need to allow civilians safe passage and to ensure the protection of humanitarian workers.
