The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has issued a stark warning over the escalating violence in El Fasher, North Darfur, where civilians face the imminent risk of large-scale atrocities amid intensifying clashes around the besieged regional capital. The city has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia for more than 500 days.
Between 19 and 29 September, at least 91 civilians were killed in artillery shelling, drone strikes, and ground attacks, including a drone strike on a mosque that killed 67 people. Other attacks targeted markets and community kitchens, with 23 civilians killed in the Abu Shouk camp, highlighting growing concerns over forcible displacement and targeting of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Türk emphasized that vulnerable populations—including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses—must be protected. He called for safe and voluntary passage for civilians along exit routes, urgent humanitarian access, and protection against executions, abductions, torture, and looting.
He warned of the risk of ethnically motivated abuses, recalling sexual violence against Zaghawa women and girls during the RSF offensive on Zamzam camp in April. “As essential supplies dwindle and prices soar, recent attacks on remaining community kitchens further threaten the right to food,” Türk said.
“Atrocities are not inevitable,” he stressed. “They can be averted if all actors uphold international law, respect civilian life and property, and prevent ongoing atrocity crimes.”
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