Urgent Warning: Lives at Risk in El-Fasher, Sudan

In El-Fasher, a town in Sudan's Darfur region, hundreds of thousands of civilians are at risk due to escalating violence between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the regular army. The RSF has besieged the town since May 2023, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the world's largest displacement crisis, with millions uprooted and many facing famine, particularly in displacement camps near El-Fasher. The United Nations has reported that the war has led to significant casualties, with estimates of deaths reaching up to 150,000. Civilians, especially women and children, are suffering the most, as violence has targeted civilian sites, including hospitals and camps for internally displaced persons. The situation is further complicated by intense shelling in central and western El-Fasher, raising concerns about the safety of the vulnerable population. As the rainy season approaches its end, fears are mounting that fighting will intensify, putting even more lives at risk. Close to 1.7 million people in the North Darfur region are facing acute food insecurity, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The UN has called for the deployment of an impartial force to protect civilians and address the escalating crisis. The international community is urged to respond quickly to the deteriorating situation, as the lives of hundreds of thousands hang in the balance. The ongoing conflict in Sudan not only threatens the immediate safety of those in El-Fasher but also poses long-term challenges for stability and recovery in the region.