On Friday, the UN Security Council passed a resolution about the situation in Sudan that was backed by the UK. It called on Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to stop their siege of El Fasher, which is the only capital city in the huge western region of Darfur that they don’t control. A report on Sudan and South Sudan was given by the UN Secretary-General to the Security Council.
Fourteen votes were cast in favor of Resolution 2736, none against it, and one person did not vote (Russia). The resolution says that everyone involved in the conflict must do everything they can to keep civilians safe and let them leave El Fasher for safer places. It also asks the Sudanese government to reopen the Adre border crossing so that humanitarian aid can get to those who need it. It also asks everyone to work together with UN agencies and humanitarian groups to make sure that aid gets to those who need it.
The UK Ambassador Dame Barbara Woodward said following the resolution’s adoption:
The adoption of this resolution sends a clear message: the Council demands that the Rapid Support Forces immediately stop the siege of El Fasher and that all sides step back from the brink. An attack on the city would be catastrophic for the 1.5 million Sudanese civilians sheltering in the city.
Human Rights Watch added, “Today’s resolution puts the Sudanese Armed Forces & Rapid Support Forces on notice that the world is watching. It warns of imminent famine, especially in Darfur, & calls for accountability for violations of int’l humanitarian & human rights law, incl. sexual violence.”
The World Food Programme (WFP) reported Thursday that Sudan is experiencing unprecedented levels of hunger and violence, with the nation’s conflict on the verge of becoming the world’s largest hunger crisis due to increased attacks by paramilitary groups. Doctors Without Borders warned at the end of last month that a “humanitarian catastrophe” is unfolding in the country, and the International Criminal Court announced Tuesday that it is looking for evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Darfur region.