PORT SUDAN – The UN humanitarian agency in war-torn Sudan, warned that the besieged North Darfur capital El Fasher has become the “epicenter of suffering” as civilians are being killed in their homes, in hospitals and even in places of worship.
The agency said El Fasher saw one of the deadliest incidents in recent months when a mosque near the adjoining Abu Shouk camp for displaced people was struck during prayers, killing dozens of worshippers, including children.
The attack was condemned by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, and marked yet another atrocity in a city battered by months of relentless violence.
She reminded those engaged in the conflict that international humanitarian law demands the protection of mosques and of civilians worshipping in them and called for a full investigation to ensure accountability.
Ms. Brown also warned that the siege of El Fasher has created a “severe humanitarian crisis,” cutting off food, medicine and other life-saving supplies, and urged immediate humanitarian access.
Her statement echoed the appeal of the UN Secretary-General, who has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in and around El Fasher. Protection crisis Civilians in El Fasher face daily threats from shelling, airstrikes and drone attacks.
In recent weeks, fierce clashes have been reported in the city’s north-eastern districts.
Satellite images show more than 30 kilometres of earthen barriers surrounding the city, restricting movement and trapping people inside.
They have also documented more than 50 bombardments of Abu Shouk camp in recent weeks, compounding displacement and civilian casualties.
People who attempt to flee risk being targeted, while those who remain face growing risks of sexual violence, forced recruitment and arbitrary detention.
Epicentre of suffering
After being under siege for more than 500 days, El Fasher has become an epicenter of suffering, UNOCHA Sudan said.
Food supplies have run out in the besieged El Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur, traders said on Tuesday, after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) completed its encirclement of the city with earthen barriers, raising fears of starvation for those trapped.
According to estimates, more than 260,000 civilians — including 130,000 children — remain trapped, facing constant danger without safe passage out.
Reports of people dying from hunger are increasing. UNICEF reports that over 10,000 children have been treated for severe acute malnutrition since January. In recent weeks, at least 63 people, mostly women and children, reportedly died of malnutrition in a single week.
OCHA said already very limited essential services in the city are collapsing further amid ongoing hostilities and lack of funding.
“Water trucking to El Fasher’s only functioning hospital has been suspended, and community kitchens have been forced to close due to insecurity and funding shortages, leaving families on the edge of starvation,” it said.
Flooding has further compounded the crisis. Heavy rains in early September displaced 350 people in Korma town, while floods in Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps affected 4,300 displaced people, destroying 900 tents and damaging 2,300 houses.
“These disasters struck communities already facing famine-like conditions. The unfolding cholera outbreak has added a lethal layer to the emergency.”
As of 16 September, nearly 7,500 cases and 114 deaths had been reported in North Darfur since late June, with a case fatality rate of 5 per cent — five times the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold.