The UN Security Council is expected to vote on Thursday on a British-drafted resolution aimed at halting the siege of Al-Fashir in Sudan’s North Darfur region. The draft resolution calls for an immediate end to hostilities by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other fighters in and around the city, according to diplomats.
The draft, viewed by Reuters, demands an immediate cessation of fighting and the withdrawal of all armed groups threatening civilian safety in Al-Fashir. The resolution emphasizes the protection of civilians and allows for safe movement out of the city. A vote on the draft text has been requested for Thursday afternoon by the United Kingdom.
For the resolution to pass, it requires a minimum of nine votes from the 15-member council and no vetoes from any of the five permanent members—Russia, China, the United States, Britain, and France.
Conflict erupted in Sudan in April 2023 between the Sudanese army (SAF) and the RSF, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. Al-Fashir remains the last major city in Darfur not under RSF control. The RSF has taken control of four other state capitals in Darfur and has been accused of ethnically motivated violence and other abuses in West Darfur.
Top UN officials warned in April that the lives of approximately 800,000 people in Al-Fashir were at severe risk due to escalating violence that threatens to incite widespread intercommunal conflict across Darfur.
The draft resolution also urges all parties to the conflict to ensure civilian protection and permit safe passage for those seeking refuge outside Al-Fashir. It calls for countries to avoid actions that exacerbate the conflict and to support peace efforts. Additionally, the resolution reminds all parties and member states to adhere to the arms embargo measures concerning Darfur.
The United States has accused both warring factions of committing war crimes, with specific allegations against the RSF and allied militias for crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. The UN reports that nearly 25 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian aid, with around eight million displaced and rising hunger levels.
In a UN report seen by Reuters in January, it was estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 people were killed in West Darfur last year due to ethnic violence perpetrated by the RSF and allied Arab militias.
The draft resolution advocates for an immediate cessation of hostilities and calls for dialogue to achieve a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
