“I fear that abhorrent atrocities such as summary executions, rape and ethnically motivated violence will continue. within the city.”
The statement comes amid growing reports from UN human rights watchdogs and other experts of widespread violence and war crimes after the city of El Fasher fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia on October 23 this year, which has been fighting former allies turned rivals – the military government in Khartoum – for control of Sudan for more than two years.
The violence continues even for those who managed to flee the city, as exit routes have become scenes of “unimaginable cruelty,” Türk added.
There are no signs of de-escalation
The High Commissioner said that since the capture of El Fasher, civilian casualties, destruction and mass displacement have been increasing.
He also warned that events on the ground show “clear preparations for the intensification of hostilities, with all that this implies for its long-suffering people.”
In an interview with UN News On Thursday, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Chaloka Beyani, expressed concern over allegations of war crimes in El Fasher.
“We see massive violations of international human rights law, direct attacks against civilians, failure to comply with international humanitarian law, which regulates conduct in relation to hostilities, and that the attacks are largely against civilians,” he said.
On Friday, independent UN experts also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation, pointing to “sadistic levels” of violence and sexual abuse.
“We are dismayed by credible reports of ethnically motivated summary executions of civilians in El Fasher by RSF, which are prohibited under international law and constitute war crimes and may also constitute crimes against humanity,” they said. “They must stop immediately and it is essential that immediate independent investigations are carried out.”
Ceasefire agreement reported
The RSF reportedly agreed to a ceasefire on Thursday, proposed by the United States and Arab countries, but the national army has not signed it and attacks continue, according to media reports, including explosions around government-controlled Khartoum.
Meanwhile, UN agencies continue to press for an end to hostilities.
“The Security Council arms embargo is clear: the provision of continued military support to sustain parties committing serious violations must cease.”said Mr. Türk.
He reiterated his call for “an immediate end to the violence in both Darfur and Kordofan,” adding that “bold and urgent action is required from the international community.”
The UN Human Rights Council will hold a special session on the situation in and around El Fasher on Friday, November 14.