UN urges Sudan paramilitary leader to end al-Fashir siege

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed grave concern over a full-scale assault on al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Guterres urged the RSF leader, Lt Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, to cease hostilities immediately, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions and left many facing acute hunger. The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for adherence to international humanitarian law to protect civilians. The RSF's actions have raised alarms about potential genocide, prompting international leaders to call for urgent diplomatic intervention. Reports suggest that the RSF is receiving arms from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has been accused of playing a double game by supporting both humanitarian efforts and military operations. The UAE has denied these allegations, asserting its commitment to peace through diplomacy. The situation in Sudan has been largely overlooked by global diplomats, who have focused on other crises such as those in Gaza and Ukraine. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of approximately 10 million people, with half of Sudan's population facing severe food shortages. The UN's arms embargo on Sudan, established two decades ago, has been widely ignored by both warring factions. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the UAE claims to have facilitated mediation efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and ensuring the protection of civilians. Guterres's call for an immediate halt to the RSF's assault underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and the protection of vulnerable populations in the region.