UN Urges Safe Passage for Civilians Amid El-Fasher Conflict in Sudan

Wed Oct 29 2025 08:15:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As fighting escalates in Sudan's city of el-Fasher, the UN calls for the safe evacuation of civilians trapped in the midst of a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by territorial clashes between government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The UN has appealed for safe passage for civilians trapped in el-Fasher, Sudan, following paramilitary fighters' claims of controlling the army's main base, marking a significant shift in the ongoing civil conflict. UN officials warn of escalating violence and dire humanitarian conditions as communication lines are cut and basic necessities become scarce, calling for immediate international intervention.

The UN has called for safe passage for trapped civilians out of the Sudanese city of el-Fasher after paramilitary fighters announced they had seized control of the army's main base there.

Sudan's military has not acknowledged the loss of the site, which would be a significant victory for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing civil war. UN chief António Guterres said the latest fighting marked a terrible escalation in the conflict, adding that the suffering of civilians was unbearable, according to AFP news agency.

El-Fasher is the last army foothold in the vast western region of Darfur and has been besieged by the RSF and its allies for 18 months. Heavy fighting has been reported since Saturday after RSF fighters captured the home of the North Darfur governor.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned that the risk of further large-scale, ethnically motivated violations and atrocities in el-Fasher is mounting by the day. The Sudanese Doctors' Network reported that the RSF had already carried out ethnically motivated killings and looted medical facilities.

Military communications to el-Fasher have been significantly disrupted, leaving many fleeing civilians in fear and uncertainty. Witnesses report a chilling scenario with relatives being massacred as they gathered in one place.

Social media videos confirm RSF fighters celebrating the capture of the location, despite continued fighting in parts of the city. As the RSF continues to accuse civilian targeting, the humanitarian crisis deepens with almost 250,000 people encircled without access to food or safety.

UN humanitarian officials express alarm over the growing civilian casualties, pushing for immediate safe passage for those trapped. The US has joined in calls for ceasefire negotiations amidst the chaos.

Since the civil conflict began in 2023, over 150,000 people have died and approximately 12 million have been displaced, making it one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the region.