WNAM MONITORING: The UN human rights chief said Friday he is concerned about the “abominable atrocities” continuing in Sudan’s El-Fasher, and warned that events are unfolding in Kordofan.
“I fear that the abominable atrocities such as summary executions, rape and ethnically motivated violence are continuing within the city,” Volker Turk said in a statement, noting that traumatized civilians are still trapped inside El-Fasher and are not being allowed to leave.
He noted that for those who manage to flee, the violence does not end, as exit routes have been the scenes of “unimaginable cruelty.”
“At the same time, I issue a stark warning about events unfolding in Kordofan,” he said.
Noting civilian casualties, destruction and mass displacement have been mounting since the capture of El Fasher, the rights chief said there is no sign of de-escalation.
“To the contrary, developments on the ground indicate clear preparations for intensified hostilities, with everything that implies for its long-suffering people,” he said.
“I repeat my plea for an immediate end to the violence both in Darfur and Kordofan. Bold and urgent action is required by the international community,” said Turk.
Fighting has escalated in the three Kordofan states in recent weeks, forcing thousands of civilians to flee.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, on Oct. 26 and committed massacres against civilians, according to local and international organizations, amid warnings that the assault could entrench the geographical partition of Sudan.
Since April 15, 2023, the Sudanese army and the RSF have been locked in a war that regional and international mediations have failed to end. The conflict has killed thousands and displaced millions.
