العربية
The UN’s top human rights official, Volker Türk, has issued a stark warning that civilians trapped inside Sudan’s El Fasher may still be facing atrocities, despite reports that international mediators have helped broker a ceasefire proposal.
In a statement released Friday, the High Commissioner said that traumatised civilians are being prevented from leaving the city, raising fears that summary executions, rape, and ethnically motivated attacks continue inside El Fasher.
El Fasher, once the last major stronghold of Sudan’s military government in Darfur, fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia on 23 October 2025, intensifying a conflict already marked by massive displacement, civilian targeting, and violations of international law.
Atrocities reported inside and outside the city
Türk emphasized that even those who managed to escape the city are encountering “unimaginable cruelty” along the exit routes, which have become hotspots for violence and abuse.
He said that civilian deaths, destruction, and widespread displacement have risen sharply since the RSF takeover. Developments on the ground, he warned, suggest “clear preparations for intensified hostilities,” putting already-suffering civilians at further risk.
Possible war crimes and crimes against humanity
UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Chaloka Beyani, told UN News that credible allegations point to:
- Massive violations of human rights law
- Direct attacks on civilians
- Serious breaches of international humanitarian law
On Friday, UN independent experts said they were “appalled” by reliable reports of ethnically targeted summary executions, along with “sadistic levels” of sexual violence in and around El Fasher.
They stressed that these acts constitute war crimes and may amount to crimes against humanity, calling for urgent, independent investigations.
Ceasefire talks overshadowed by renewed attacks
Media reports say the RSF agreed on Thursday to a ceasefire proposal backed by the United States and Arab countries.
However, Sudan’s national army has not endorsed the deal, and explosions were still being reported around government-held areas of Khartoum.
Arms embargo and urgent international action
Türk reiterated that the UN Security Council’s arms embargo is clear, stating that all military support enabling parties to commit violations must stop immediately.
He called for:
- An immediate end to violence in Darfur and Kordofan
- Bold and urgent international action
- Full accountability for perpetrators
The UN Human Rights Council is scheduled to hold a special session on 14 November to address the situation in and around El Fasher.