In a strongly worded statement, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, described the situation as “catastrophic”, citing the complete lack of humanitarian access to vulnerable populations surrounded by armed conflict near El Fasher, the last major city in Darfur under government control.
“Civilians are besieged, and aid is not reaching those who need it the most,” said Nkweta-Salami, urging an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian pauses to allow delivery of lifesaving assistance.
Aid Blocked, Clashes Escalate
Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF around El Fasher have intensified in recent days, turning the city into a dangerous frontline. The RSF’s siege has made humanitarian operations nearly impossible, compounding months of restricted access.
Both Abu Shouk and Zamzam camps host tens of thousands of displaced people—mostly women and children—who depend entirely on international aid for food, water, shelter, and medical care.
“Without urgent access, humanitarian operations risk complete collapse,” warned Nkweta-Salami.
Civilian Casualties Mount
The situation in El Fasher has also grown more deadly for civilians. The Sudan Armed Forces’ 6th Infantry Division reported that at least nine civilians, including children, were killed and seven others wounded by RSF shelling on residential areas.
The SAF issued an urgent advisory, warning residents to limit movement and keep children indoors due to ongoing “indiscriminate bombardment.”
“We call on all citizens to control movement and prevent children from playing in the streets for their own safety,” read the military statement.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Looms
Since the conflict began in April 2023, humanitarian access to Darfur has remained severely restricted. The latest siege has severed critical supply lines, leaving displaced populations exposed to starvation, disease, and insecurity.
The UN and aid agencies continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and grant immediate, unimpeded access to affected populations.
“Failure to act could result in mass starvation and a surge in civilian casualties,” aid officials warn.
