Humanitarian crisis worsens in Darfur as France urges ceasefire in El-Facher

France has voiced significant concern regarding the escalating tensions in El-Facher, North Darfur, emphasizing the potential threats to hundreds of thousands of civilians seeking refuge in this Sudanese city. 

The ongoing military operations have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, obstructing the delivery of much-needed aid.

Christophe Lemoine, Deputy Spokesperson of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that the military actions are deepening the humanitarian crisis and impeding humanitarian efforts in the region. Amidst these tensions, Paris is calling on all parties involved to immediately cease hostilities and adhere to their international obligations to protect the civilian population and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid.

On April 15, during a humanitarian conference in Paris, the international community pledged over $2 billion in aid to Sudan.

However, concerns were raised about the challenges in delivering this aid to those in need due to the ongoing conflict.

The war, which broke out on the same day between forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhane and those led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has further complicated the situation.

El-Facher serves as a crucial humanitarian base for Darfur, a region home to about a quarter of Sudan's 48 million residents.

Historically, the city has been relatively spared from the conflict, hosting numerous refugees. However, since mid-April, bombings and clashes have escalated in the surrounding villages, marking a significant shift. Notably, El-Facher remains the only capital of Darfur’s five states not controlled by the RSF.