The escalation of violence in El Fasher, North Darfur, has drawn strong condemnation from IGAD, as reports indicate that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken control of the city.
On October 28, 2025, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu voiced deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Sudan, warning that ongoing hostilities are worsening civilian suffering and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
“The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, expresses deep concern over the worsening situation in El Fasher, North Darfur, following reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken control of the city,” the statement read.
Workneh condemned all acts of violence against civilians, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and urging all parties to prioritize peace and the protection of innocent lives.
“The suffering of civilians in Sudan must end,” he said, stressing that all sides have “a moral and legal duty to respect international humanitarian law, protect lives, and allow unhindered humanitarian access.”
He reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to supporting peace efforts, noting that continued conflict threatens both Sudan’s stability and that of the broader Horn of Africa region.
Workneh also urged regional and international partners to act quickly to support humanitarian operations and promote dialogue toward a lasting, inclusive peace.
“IGAD stands ready to support all genuine efforts that bring an end to the fighting and ensure the protection of civilians,” he added, highlighting the regional body’s readiness to back credible peace initiatives.
His statement comes as the UN Human Rights Office reports alarming atrocities by RSF fighters in El Fasher and Bara, North Kordofan.
According to the UN, the RSF’s takeover of the Sudanese army’s 6th Infantry Division in El Fasher has been accompanied by summary executions, ethnic killings, and sexual violence.
“In El Fasher, initial reports indicate an extremely precarious situation since the RSF yesterday announced its takeover of the army’s 6th Infantry Division,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said.
“The risk of further large-scale, ethnically motivated violations and atrocities in El Fasher is mounting by the day.” Between October 22 and 26, dozens of unarmed men were executed, hundreds detained, and civilians—including humanitarian volunteers—killed during heavy shelling. The UN also received credible reports of sexual violence against women and girls, and the execution of five men who tried to deliver food into the besieged city.
Türk urged the RSF to “urgently take concrete steps to end and prevent abuses against civilians” and reminded commanders of their obligations under international law.
“The use of starvation as a weapon of war is strictly prohibited,” he emphasized, calling on influential states to act swiftly to stop further atrocities.
The RSF, originally formed as a government-backed militia, grew in influence and is now engaged in a civil war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The current conflict, which started in April 2023, has caused massive displacement and widespread violence.
Both IGAD and the UN stress that accountability for human rights violations is essential to breaking Sudan’s cycle of conflict and achieving lasting peace. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in El Fasher remains critical, with thousands fleeing amid shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
