Commemorating a Year of Tragedy in El Fasher
This month marks the somber one-year anniversary of El Fasher’s fall to the Rapid Support Forces, a transition that unleashed a wave of horrific atrocities. The United Nations Fact-Finding Mission has meticulously documented a series of violations, including systematic starvation, torture, killings, rape, and targeted ethnic violence.
The plight of civilians has been particularly dire, with many being slaughtered as they attempted to escape the besieged city, while patients and healthcare workers were killed within the confines of their hospitals. Women and girls have borne the brunt of these horrific acts, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and support for survivors. It is crucial that the lessons learned from the tragedy in El Fasher are not forgotten.
Prioritising Civilian Protection
First and foremost, the protection of civilians must take precedence. Recent drone strikes and aerial bombardments, notably in the Kordofans, serve as stark reminders of the escalating violence and reach of this conflict. Civilians are not only being killed and injured but are also facing the destruction of critical infrastructure, including markets and agricultural production, upon which they rely for survival.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has issued a warning regarding an increasing risk of famine in Darfur and the Kordofans. An alarming 33 million individuals now require humanitarian assistance. As highlighted by Foreign Secretary Milliband during High-Level Week, it is imperative that we unite in urging all parties to protect civilians, adhere to international humanitarian law, and ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.
All parties involved must fulfil their commitments made in Jeddah by distinguishing between civilian and military targets and taking all necessary precautions to safeguard civilian lives.
Ending External Support for Conflict
The second critical issue is the need to halt external support that sustains this conflict. The advancing capabilities of drone warfare observed in the region have been procured, financed, and sustained through networks beyond Sudan’s borders. It is essential that all states refrain from fuelling the conflict through their support of any parties involved.
Those entities supplying, financing, and enabling this conflict must face intensified pressure. Moreover, the United Nations Security Council’s sanctions regime concerning Sudan needs to adapt to reflect the current realities of warfare in the region. The United Kingdom is committed to strengthening these sanctions, increasing pressure on those who perpetuate this war, while simultaneously supporting the protection of civilians. We also advocate for the prompt delivery to the Council and the publication of the final report from the 1591 panel of experts.
Advocating for a Diplomatic Resolution
Finally, there is an urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to this crisis. The United Kingdom calls upon all parties to agree to a humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, and to embark on an inclusive, civilian-led political process aimed at securing sustainable peace. We acknowledge the efforts of the Quad and Quintet in this regard, as well as the initiatives led by the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy focused on confidence-building measures.
Coordination between the Quad and Quintet is crucial to ensure that diplomatic efforts effectively support Sudan’s long-term future while advancing ceasefire initiatives. We anticipate further progress during the upcoming consultations in Geneva.
Additionally, proposals for a national dialogue are noteworthy. Any credible process must be genuinely inclusive and led by Sudanese voices, allowing civilians to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of their country.
Addressing Regional Instability
The urgency of ending this conflict cannot be overstated. The devastation in Sudan is contributing to growing instability across the region, with crises in the Horn of Africa becoming increasingly interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
As we pay tribute to the victims of El Fasher, the message is unequivocal: all parties must prioritise the protection of civilians, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need, and choose diplomacy over the continuation of war. Furthermore, those who supply, fund, and fuel the conflict must cease their actions immediately.