UN warns Sudan warring parties are weaponising aid, fuelling famine and war crimes
The UN report states that the SAF has enforced complex and punitive bureaucratic hurdles, while the RSF has looted aid convoys and completely obstructed their movement.
The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan has sounded the alarm over the deliberate weaponisation of humanitarian aid by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), warning that the obstruction of relief efforts is accelerating a man-made famine in parts of the country.
In its latest report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, the UN mission revealed that both parties to the conflict, now entering its third year, are systematically denying access to lifesaving assistance, transforming humanitarian relief into a tool of war.
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According to the report, the SAF has imposed complex and punitive bureaucratic restrictions, while the RSF has been looting aid convoys and blocking their passage altogether.
One of the most alarming incidents took place on June 2, when a United Nations convoy en route to El Fasher was bombed in Al Koma, resulting in the deaths of five UN staff members.
The RSF has also repeatedly shelled the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher and, in May, conducted a drone strike on Obeid International Hospital in North Kordofan, killing six civilians and forcing one of the region's few functioning clinics to shut down
"Those with influence must act now to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, and to avoid risking complicity in grave violations," Mohamed Chande Othman, chair of the UN Fact-Finding Mission, told the Council.
Heavy weapons
The Mission also reported a sharp escalation in the use of heavy weapons by both the SAF and RSF in civilian-populated areas.
In and around El Fasher, the RSF has been accused of assaulting, detaining and killing civilians, as well as burning, looting and destroying entire villages.
Between April 10 and 13, 2025, one such RSF assault reportedly left over 100 civilians dead, while a separate airstrike by the SAF in Al Koma resulted in at least 15 civilian fatalities.
"We urge all states to honour their legal duties—starting with full enforcement of the arms embargo under Security Council Resolution 1556," Mohamed said.
Sexual and gender-based violence
Similarly, the Fact-Finding Mission documented a sharp rise in sexual and gender-based violence, with women and girls subjected to rape, gang rape, abduction, sexual slavery and forced marriage, mostly in RSF-controlled displacement camps.
"What began as a political and security crisis has become a grave human rights and protection emergency, marked by international crimes that stain all involved," Member of the Fact-Finding Mission, Mona Rishmawi, said.
"It is unconscionable that this devastating war is entering its third year with no sign of resolution. We all know, but it is worth repeating, civilians continue to bear the brunt of escalating violence and hostilities," she added.
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