Situation in Sudan "Simply Horrifying," UN Official Says

Strategic Insights -

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobee briefed the Security Council on the deteriorating situation in Sudan, describing it as "simply horrifying." Pobee reported that the conflict has caused widespread suffering and new surges of horrific violence, with the city of El Fasher in North Darfur being captured by the Rapid Support Forces after more than 500 days under siege. The situation in El Fasher is described as chaotic, with communications cut off and an unknown number of civilians killed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The conflict in Sudan has caused widespread suffering and new surges of horrific violence, with the city of El Fasher in North Darfur being captured by the Rapid Support Forces after more than 500 days under siege.
  • The situation in El Fasher is described as chaotic, with communications cut off and an unknown number of civilians killed.
  • The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Pobee, has urged Member States with leverage over the parties to encourage them to take critical steps towards peace.
  • Pobee has called on the Security Council to use all tools available to demand peace in Sudan and to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
  • The conflict has expanded to new territories, including the Kordofan region, where fighting has intensified, and has resulted in drone strikes by both parties affecting new targets.
  • The risk of mass atrocities, ethnically targeted violence, and further violations of international humanitarian law, including sexual violence, remains alarmingly high across the country.
  • The Rapid Support Forces have captured the city of Bara in North Kordofan, just 40 kilometers from the state capital of El Obeid, marking another escalation on the ground.

Statistics:

  • Over 500 days of siege on the city of El Fasher in North Darfur.
  • Unknown number of civilians killed in El Fasher
  • Conflict has expanded to new territories, including Blue Nile, Khartoum, Sennar, South Kordofan, and West Darfur.
  • Drone strikes by both parties affecting new targets
  • Risk of mass atrocities, ethnically targeted violence, and further violations of international humanitarian law remains alarmingly high.

Sources:

  • United Nations (video statements)
  • Martha Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa.