Sudan

Sudan: UN warns of civilian catastrophe as fighting erupts in Al Fashir

A damaged army tank is seen on the street, almost one year into the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in Omdurman, Sudan, April 7, 2024. (Photo: El Tayeb Siddig/Reuters)

By Mwangi Maina | Monday, May 13, 2024

Nkweta-Salami highlighted the dire situation in Al Fasher, where clashes have intensified despite numerous pleas to conflicting parties to avoid combat in the city.

Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the resident and humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, voiced deep concern regarding the recent surge of violence in Al Fashir, warning of severe consequences for the civilian population amid escalating conflicts.

In a statement on Saturday, Nkweta-Salami highlighted the dire situation in Al Fashir, where clashes have intensified despite numerous pleas to conflicting parties to avoid combat in the city.

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"The violence poses a grave threat to the lives of over 800,000 civilians residing in Al Fashir," she said.

In a separate release, the medical aid group MSF reported that 160 wounded individuals, including 31 women and 19 children, were admitted to the MSF-supported South Hospital in Al Fashir on May 10.

Reports from the city indicate the use of heavy weaponry in densely populated areas, both in the city centre and on the outskirts, resulting in multiple casualties.

Nkweta-Salami further noted that many civilians attempting to escape are trapped in the crossfire, unable to reach safety.

The conflict in Al Fashir represents a grim escalation in Sudan's broader violence. Months of fighting have disrupted the flow of essential aid and basic supplies, pushing the region towards famine, with healthcare facilities severely depleted.

"This unfolding nightmare is heartbreaking," lamented Nkweta-Salami. "The conflict continues to engulf ever-larger parts of the country, and civilians—men, women, and children—pay the ultimate price."

Meanwhile, Sudan's Deputy Military Commander, Shams al-Din Kabashi, conducted a second visit within two weeks to inspect operations on the Al-Faw front in eastern Al Jazirah State on Sunday.

Accompanied by Major General Adam Haroun, Kabashi's visit aimed to assess the situation on the ground.

Haroun, known for his successful leadership in reclaiming strategic locations in Omdurman in March, has been appointed to lead the Al-Faw military area.

Sovereign Council media emphasised the "harmony and high morale" of stationed forces during Kabashi's visit.

Photos released by the council confirmed Haroun's presence, indicating his mission to regain control of Al Jazirah from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).