The Sudanese city of El-Fasher, capital of Darfur, has fallen under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after an 18-month siege. The city’s capture has exacerbated the already severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread reports of atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and summary executions. The World Health Organization has detailed targeted attacks on hospitals, including the Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital, where at least 460 people were killed in October alone.
The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) began in April 2023, leading to the world’s largest current humanitarian and displacement crisis. The war has resulted in famine, mass casualties, and accusations of genocide, with over 150,000 people killed and close to 12 million displaced. The international community has been criticized for its slow response to the crisis, with African and international efforts to stop the war being hindered by poor coordination and lack of action.
The situation in Darfur is dire, with most of the city’s 1.5 million people facing famine and relying on animal feed to survive. Both sides have been accused of deliberately obstructing aid delivery, using starvation as a weapon of war. The International Organization for Migration estimates that at least 62,000 civilians have fled the city since the RSF took over, with many more trapped and fearing arrest, extortion, or execution.
The United Nations Security Council has been urged to invoke the responsibility to protect (R2P) doctrine, which calls for global action when a state is failing to protect its population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, or crimes against humanity. The council has the power to authorize collective action, including African-led military or other interventions, under its Chapter VII powers.
The crisis in Sudan has significant regional implications, with the potential to destabilize neighboring countries. The international community must take swift and decisive action to address the crisis, including invoking R2P and considering collective action. The situation in Sudan is a stark reminder of the need for effective international cooperation to prevent mass atrocities and protect human rights. With the death toll mounting and the violence escalating, the international community must act quickly to prevent further suffering and instability in the region.