Sudan violence escalates with war crimes and humanitarian crisis

The Sudan Media Forum, a coalition of independent media outlets and organizations, has strongly condemned the escalating violence perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians in Sudan, especially in the besieged city of El Fasher. For more than 18 months the city and its surroundings have been under a tightening siege, trapping hundreds of thousands of civilians who now face malnutrition, disease and daily violence.

According to the United Nations, at least 1,350 civilians have been killed in El Fasher, a figure the organization believes significantly underrepresents the true toll because of communication blackouts and access challenges. Alleged war crimes and grave human‑rights violations—including summary executions, ethnically motivated killings, widespread sexual violence and the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure—demonstrate a complete disregard for international law and human dignity.

The Sudan Media Forum is calling for urgent, unhindered humanitarian access to all towns and areas affected by the conflict. Deliberate obstruction of aid is worsening the suffering of millions; the United Nations confirms that access to El Fasher remains blocked and humanitarian capacity is shrinking as needs soar. The forum demands the immediate and unconditional opening of safe corridors for aid convoys and humanitarian personnel, and the removal of all bureaucratic and physical barriers that impede the delivery of life‑saving food, medicine and shelter.

The civilian population, especially those trapped under siege, is confronting catastrophic levels of hunger, disease and displacement. The Rapid Support Forces must cease all attacks on civilians, medical facilities and humanitarian workers, guarantee safe passage for aid, and eliminate obstacles to assistance. The international community is urged to exert maximum pressure to ensure these demands are met, as the lives of millions of Sudanese civilians depend on it.

The Sudan Media Forum’s statement seeks to illuminate the ongoing atrocities and humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Darfur, emphasizing the need for immediate action. With the situation continuing to deteriorate, a robust and coordinated international response is essential to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.