The United States issued a stern call on Wednesday urging all armed factions in Sudan to immediately halt their attacks in al-Fashir, North Darfur, amidst clashes between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) vying for control of the expansive North African nation.
In an official statement, the U.S. State Department expressed deep concern over signs indicating an impending offensive by the RSF against the city.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the Department, emphasized that the leaders of both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, along with their affiliated militias, are at a pivotal juncture.
They must choose between escalating violence, exacerbating the suffering of their populace, and risking the disintegration of their nation, or opting for a ceasefire, facilitating unimpeded humanitarian assistance, and earnestly engaging in negotiations to bring an end to the conflict and empower the people of Sudan.
The recent hostilities around al-Fashir have shattered a fragile truce that previously shielded the city from the year-long conflict, raising concerns about a resurgence of inter-communal violence and heightened humanitarian risks for the 1.6 million residents residing in the crowded capital of North Darfur.
Al-Fashir stands as the sole major urban center in the vast western Darfur region not yet under the control of the RSF.
The battle for al-Fashir, steeped in historical significance as a seat of power, may prolong further, stoking ethnic tensions reminiscent of the early-2000s conflict in the region and potentially spilling over Sudan’s border into Chad, warn residents, aid agencies, and analysts.
