Khartoum - New York: Europe and the Arabs
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern about the developments in the situation in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in Sudan, where reports of violent fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and elements of the armed struggle movements were reported. According to the daily news bulletin of the United Nations
In a statement attributed to his deputy spokesman, Farhan Haq, Guterres said that these clashes have devastating consequences for the civilian population.
He added that the fighting would exacerbate humanitarian needs in and around El Fasher, at a time when famine conditions have been confirmed in Zamzam camp south of El Fasher, and are likely to spread to other displacement sites in the city, according to what was announced by the Famine Review Committee of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification on August 1.
Antonio Guterres called on all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and allow them safe passage and facilitate rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.
The Secretary-General reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a permanent ceasefire. He also urged the parties to return to political dialogue as the only way to reach a negotiated settlement. He stressed that the United Nations remains committed to supporting international mediation efforts and working with all relevant stakeholders to help end the war.