UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep alarm over the escalating violence and mass displacement in Sudan’s North Darfur.
Guterres condemned recent attacks on El-Fasher, North Darfur’s capital, just weeks after deadly assaults on the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said hundreds of civilians, including aid workers, were killed in those strikes, calling the situation “increasingly catastrophic.”
More than 400,000 people fled Zamzam camp earlier this month, with reports of abuse and arbitrary detention at military checkpoints.
Despite widespread insecurity, UN agencies are racing to scale up emergency aid in Tawila, where many displaced people have sought refuge.
Guterres described the humanitarian needs as “overwhelming,” noting that most of those fleeing are women and children crossing into Chad.
He renewed calls for a ceasefire and safe humanitarian access, urging the world to help stop the “relentless suffering and destruction.”
The city of El-Fasher, a key humanitarian hub, has seen fierce fighting between General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since May 2023.
Earlier this month, the RSF claimed control of Zamzam camp.
Since the conflict began in April 2023, over 20,000 people have died and 15 million have been displaced, though US researchers estimate the death toll may be closer to 130,000.