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More than 700 killed in siege of Sudan’s al-Fashir, UN rights chief says

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More than 700 people have been reported killed in al-Fashir, located in Sudan’s North Darfur state, since May, according to the U.N. human rights chief on Friday. A plea was made to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to bring the ongoing siege of the city to an end.

The siege and “the relentless fighting are devastating lives every day on a massive scale,” stated U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk in a statement.

It was emphasized that “this alarming situation cannot continue,” with an urgent call made for the Rapid Support Forces to put an end to the “horrible siege.”

A City Under Siege

Al-Fashir, a key city in the Darfur region, has become the latest epicenter of violence in Sudan’s protracted internal conflict. Civilians have borne the brunt of the clashes, with reports indicating widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and essential services. Access to food, water, and medical aid has been severely restricted, leaving thousands in dire conditions.

International Condemnation

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk described the situation as “unacceptable and deeply alarming,” emphasizing the need for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of life. He called on all parties involved to cease hostilities and prioritize the safety of civilians.

Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

The siege has compounded an already dire humanitarian situation in Sudan. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023 as a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has displaced millions and led to a catastrophic shortage of resources. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly called for unrestricted access to provide aid, but security concerns and logistical challenges have hindered their efforts.

Calls for Accountability

The international community has urged for accountability, with the UN and other human rights organizations calling for an investigation into potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. There is growing pressure on global powers to mediate and facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The Road Ahead

As the violence continues to spiral, the people of al-Fashir and Sudan at large face an uncertain future. The global community’s response in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the situation can be stabilized or if the region will sink deeper into chaos.

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