On Friday, the United States warned, through its High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, of “clear preparations” for new battles in Sudan, specifically in Kordofan, located between Khartoum, which is controlled by the army, and the Darfur region, which is controlled by the Rapid Support Forces. Türk called on all countries to realize that in light of this catastrophic violence in the city, there will be more massacres and atrocities.

Published on: 07/11/2025 - 20:21

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Volker Türk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations, reported that there were “clear preparations” for new battles in Kordofan, a strategic area between Khartoum, which is controlled by the army, and the Darfur region, which is subject to Rapid Support.

The Rapid Support Forces, which have been waging a war with the Sudanese army since April 2023, expressed their approval on Thursday for a humanitarian truce proposal presented by international mediators.

After the Rapid Support Forces took control of El Fasher in late October, the last major Sudanese army stronghold in West Darfur, it appears to be turning east towards Khartoum and oil-rich Kordofan.

Volker Türk confirmed that shocked and besieged civilians were being prevented from leaving El Fasher, and added in a statement: “I fear that heinous atrocities such as arbitrary executions, rape and ethnically motivated violence will continue within the city.”

He noted that the exit routes for those who managed to flee were the scene of "incredible cruelty," adding: "At the same time, I issue a strong warning about the events taking place in Kordofan."

Read also Sudan: The Rapid Support Forces agree to the “Quartet” ceasefire plan and the Human Rights Council holds an emergency session

Turk added: “Since taking control of El Fasher, the number of civilian casualties, destruction and mass displacement has increased. There is no sign of de-escalation. On the contrary, developments on the ground indicate clear preparations for an intensification of hostilities, with all that this means for a population that has been suffering for a long time.”

The Rapid Support Forces were accused of committing mass killings, looting, and sexual violence in El Fasher.

Türk said that in light of the "catastrophic violence" in the city, countries must realize that without quick and decisive action, "there will be more massacres and atrocities that we have already witnessed."

Stressing the need to stop providing military support to parties committing grave violations, he also said: “I repeat my appeal for an immediate end to the violence in both Darfur and Kordofan. Bold and urgent action is required from the international community.”

Coinciding with the fall of El Fasher into the hands of the Rapid Support Forces, they took control of all the capitals of the five states in Darfur, raising fears of the division of Sudan between east and west.

France 24/AFP

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