Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on the situation in Al Fasher, North Darfur State [EN/AR]

(Port Sudan, 30 May 2024) – I am profoundly distressed by the humanitarian situation in Al Fasher, where the noose of war is tightening its stranglehold on a civilian population that is under attack from all sides.

Humanity is the first casualty of war. The news of reported casualties and human rights abuses are appalling. Families, including children and elderly people, are being prevented from leaving the city as they search for safety.

We are receiving deeply worrying reports that medical facilities, displacement camps, and critical civilian infrastructure have been targeted by parties to the conflict.

Many parts of Al Fasher have been left without electricity or water. A growing proportion of the population has limited access to basic necessities and essential services, including food and healthcare.

After more than a year of brutal conflict, families have exhausted their scarce resources and their resilience is being eroded with each day of violence.

All parties must avoid using explosive weapons in populated areas and should take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Wars have rules that must be respected by all, no matter what.