UN warns of possible imminent attack on city in Sudan’s North Darfur

Attack on al-Fashir would have ‘devastating consequences’ for civilians in area already on brink of famine, UN says.

The United Nations has sounded the alarm about a possible imminent attack on al-Fashir, in Sudan’s North Darfur, as the global body seeks to reduce tensions in the last major city in the region not under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday that the RSF was reportedly encircling al-Fashir, “suggesting a coordinated move to attack the city may be imminent”.

“Simultaneously, the Sudanese Armed Forces appear to be positioning themselves,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

Guterres called on all parties to refrain from fighting in the al-Fashir area, said the spokesperson, adding that his envoy on Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, was working to de-escalate the tensions.

“An attack on the city would have devastating consequences for the civilian population. This escalation of tensions is in an area already on the brink of famine,” the spokesperson added.