UNSC Passes Resolution Demanding Immediate End to RSF Siege in Sudan's Darfur Region

In a significant move, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday approved a resolution demanding that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) halt their siege of el-Fasher in the North Darfur region and cease fighting in the area. The resolution, which passed with a vote of 14-0 with Russia abstaining, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and reports of ethnically motivated atrocities being committed by the RSF in el-Fasher.

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the RSF, loyal to General Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo. This brutal confrontation has already resulted in the deaths of at least 14,000 people and the displacement of more than 10 million others, according to UN estimates. The UNSC resolution demands that both the RSF and the SAF ensure the protection of civilians, particularly those wishing to leave el-Fasher, the last major urban center in Darfur not under RSF control.

Why this matters: The UNSC's call for the cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians is a critical step in addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in el-Fasher. With hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped, unable to escape the violence, the resolution aims to facilitate the safe passage of those wishing to flee the conflict zone. Othman Belbeisi, the International Organization for Migration's regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted the dire situation, noting that crucial roads out of el-Fasher are blocked, preventing civilians from reaching safety and hindering the delivery of vital humanitarian aid.

The resolution's emphasis on ethnically motivated violence reflects the grave concerns about targeted attacks against specific communities in Darfur. Louis Charbonneau, UN director at Human Rights Watch, welcomed the resolution, stating that it puts both the SAF and the RSF on notice and underscores the world's attention on their actions. The call for accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law is crucial in deterring further atrocities and ensuring justice for the victims.

By urging all nations to end interference that exacerbates the conflict, the UNSC resolution seeks to reduce external factors that contribute to instability in Sudan. This measure highlights the international community's responsibility to support peace efforts rather than inflame the situation. The resolution also calls for a sustainable resolution to the conflict through dialogue, emphasizing the need for a negotiated settlement to end the violence.

The resolution comes on the heels of a call from the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, for evidence to support an investigation into alleged war crimes in Darfur. Khan expressed extreme concern about allegations of widespread international crimes in el-Fasher, suggesting that the situation may involve an organized and systematic attack on human dignity. The ICC’s involvement signals a potential for legal repercussions for those responsible for the atrocities, reinforcing the need for accountability and justice.

Key Takeaways

• The United Nations Security Council has demanded that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces halt their siege of el-Fasher and cease hostilities in the North Darfur region.

• The resolution calls for the protection of civilians and the safe passage of those wishing to leave el-Fasher, where hundreds of thousands are trapped amid escalating violence.

• Reports of ethnically motivated violence by the RSF have prompted international condemnation and calls for accountability for human rights violations.

• The resolution urges all nations to cease actions that foment conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the importance of supporting peace efforts and reducing external interference.

• The International Criminal Court is investigating alleged war crimes in Darfur, underscoring the international community’s commitment to justice and accountability for atrocities committed during the conflict.