The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and
the African Union (AU) have jointly condemned the escalating violence in El
Fasher, North Darfur, after reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have
seized control of the city.
Both regional bodies urged an immediate ceasefire and
renewed appeals to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh
Gebeyehu expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in El Fasher.
He also denounced all acts of violence targeting civilians.
Gebeyehu called for an urgent cessation of hostilities and
reminded all warring parties of their moral and legal duty to uphold
international humanitarian law.
“The suffering of civilians in Sudan must end,” Gebeyehu
said.
“All parties have a duty to protect lives and allow unhindered
humanitarian access.”
He further appealed to regional and international partners
to act swiftly to support relief efforts and promote dialogue toward a peaceful
resolution.
He reiterated IGAD’s commitment to work with all
stakeholders to end the conflict.
“IGAD stands ready to support all genuine efforts that bring
an end to the fighting and ensure the protection of civilians,” he affirmed.
The African Union Commission also issued a strong statement
condemning the situation.
AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he was deeply
alarmed by reports of atrocities following the RSF takeover of el Fasher.
He condemned grave violations of human rights and
international humanitarian law, including alleged war crimes and ethnically
targeted killings of civilians.
The Chairperson warned that those responsible for such acts
would be held accountable.
He called for an immediate halt to hostilities and the
opening of humanitarian corridors to deliver life-saving assistance to affected
populations.
Youssouf emphasised that military confrontation could not
resolve Sudan’s crisis, urging all actors to pursue inclusive political
dialogue.
“There can be no military solution to Sudan’s crisis. All
actors must engage in dialogue and commit to a peaceful, inclusive political
process,” he stated.
The AU Chairperson reaffirmed the Union’s solidarity with
the people of Sudan, pledging continued support for their aspirations for
peace, unity, and democracy.
Both IGAD and the AU have been involved in diplomatic
efforts to mediate the Sudanese conflict, which has displaced millions and
caused widespread suffering.
El Fasher has become a flashpoint in Sudan’s escalating
civil war, where fierce battles between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces
(SAF) have displaced thousands and worsened an already catastrophic humanitarian
crisis.
The United States on Monday urged Sudan’s Rapid Support
Forces (RSF) to take immediate steps to protect civilians as fighting
intensifies in el Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
“As fighting intensifies in el Fasher and more civilians
seek safety from the violence, the RSF must act now to protect civilians and
prevent further suffering,” said US Senior Advisor for Arab and African
Affairs, Massad Boulos, in a statement.
Boulos called on RSF leaders to issue and publicly
communicate clear orders to their troops to ensure the safety of civilians,
humanitarian workers, and aid operations.
He further demanded that the RSF open humanitarian corridors
to allow civilians to flee to safer areas.
