The United States has issued a dire warning about the situation in Darfur, Sudan, stating that the capital city of El Fasher is on the brink of a large-scale massacre. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the urgent need for all countries supplying weapons to Sudan to cease arms sales, citing the potential for history to repeat itself in the region where a genocide occurred 20 years ago.
Thomas-Greenfield’s remarks came after an emergency closed meeting of the U.N. Security Council, where she highlighted the imminent threat facing El Fasher, the only capital in Darfur not held by paramilitary forces. She expressed concerns that the city is at risk of a devastating attack that could result in a humanitarian catastrophe.
The ambassador urged the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and rival government forces to de-escalate the violence, engage in negotiations, and protect civilians. She also called for urgent humanitarian access to the millions of Sudanese people in need of aid, including those on the brink of famine.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in mid-April 2023, leading to widespread violence and displacement. The U.N. political chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, emphasized the role of foreign supporters in fueling the conflict by providing weapons in violation of U.N. sanctions.
The situation in Darfur has raised concerns about the potential for war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide. The RSF, originally formed from Janjaweed fighters, has been accused of carrying out brutal attacks on ethnic African civilians, reminiscent of the atrocities committed in Darfur two decades ago.
As the crisis in Darfur escalates, the international community is being urged to take immediate action to prevent a large-scale humanitarian disaster and protect the vulnerable populations in the region.