UN reacts over reported attack on Sudan mosque killing dozens

The United Nations has condemned the Saturday attack which hit a mosque in El Fasher of Sudan’s North Darfur State and reportedly killed dozens of civilians worshipping.

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterrez made the condemnation in a statement released while gravely alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating situation in El Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur State, warning of growing risks to civilians trapped in the area.
With El Fasher having been under a tightening siege by the Rapid Support Forces for more than 500 days, attacks affecting civilians have further intensified in recent weeks, with the majority of the residents of the Abu Shouk displacement camp reportedly having been forced to flee due to relentless shelling and raids.

The situation in Abu Shouk and other displacement camps near El Fasher has deteriorated dramatically since the IPC identified famine conditions in the area last year and with fighters advancing deeper into El Fasher, there is a rising risk of ethnically motivated violence.
The Secretary-General reiterated his demand for an immediate cessation of hostilities in El Fasher, as well as for the respect and protection of civilians and for the facilitation of safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access pursuant to the obligations of the parties under international humanitarian law.

He said, “Safe passage must be assured for any civilians seeking to leave the area voluntarily. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of this devastating conflict. The fighting must stop now”.

The Secretary-General urged the parties to swiftly engage in genuine dialogue towards an immediate cessation of hostilities, and to de-escalate violence including in El Fasher.
He added that The parties must return to the negotiating table and find sustainable solution to the conflict.

With Heads of State gathering in New York this week, the Secretary-General once again called for a concerted international action in support of the people of Sudan.

He revealed that his Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, working with all partners, stands ready to support genuine efforts to end the conflict and establish the inclusive political process that the people of Sudan demand.