August 11, 2024 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm at the evolving situation in El Fasher in the North Darfur region of Sudan, calling for the protection of civilians. Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the Secretary General, said on Sunday that fierce fighting was reported in the famine-stricken area of North Darfur. Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and elements of the Armed Struggle Movements in El Fasher have left civilians in the crossfire of a conflict that was triggered in April 2023 by rival militaries. “These clashes have devastating consequences for the civilian population,” Farhan Haq said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune. He added, “The fighting will also further exacerbate humanitarian needs in and around El Fasher at a time when famine conditions have been confirmed in Zamzam camp south of El Fasher and is likely prevailing in other displacement sites in the city.” A recent assessment by the Famine Review Committee (FRC) of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) concluded that famine conditions are prevalent in parts of North Darfur, including the Zamzam camp in El Fasher. The Zamzam Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) …

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