US warn Sudan’s El Fasher could fall to rebels imminently | BBC News

Summary

The US Special Envoy to Sudan warns of an imminent fall of the city of Al Fashah amid escalating conflict between Sudan's Army and paramilitary forces. The country's ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023, has led to over 15,000 deaths and 9 million displaced. Al Fashah, the last Army stronghold in Darfur, faces humanitarian crises with children caught in the crossfire. There are fears of ethnic targeting and atrocities similar to those in El Geneina, where thousands of predominantly Muslim black communities were killed. International efforts for peace talks are urged as the conflict threatens to partition Sudan.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ The US Special Envoy to Sudan has warned that the fall of the besieged city of Alfasa could be imminent.
• 🛡️ Fighting between Sudan's Army and paramilitary forces has intensified, with hundreds of graves discovered.
• 💔 Sudan is in the midst of a devastating civil war that began 14 months ago, with over 15,000 people killed and nearly 9 million displaced.
• 🏙️ Alfasa is the only city under Army control in the Darfur region, and its fall could have severe repercussions.
• 🚸 UNICEF reports that at least six children have been killed and many more injured in Alfasa since June 7th.
• 🏃 Thousands of children, including those in displacement camps, are trapped by the fighting and unable to seek safety.
• 💣 The conflict is increasingly taking on an ethnic dimension, with villages of the Zagawa community being targeted and raised.
• 💉 Medical facilities in Alfasa are struggling, with only the most severe cases being treated due to limited resources.
• 🏥 A key hospital in Alfasa was looted and attacked by RSF forces, shutting it down and worsening the medical crisis.
• 🔍 The US Special Envoy emphasizes the need for peace talks, noting the international community's failure to address the conflict adequately.

Q & A

What warning has the US Special Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perello, given regarding the city of Al Fasha?

Tom Perello has warned that the fall of the besieged city of Al Fasha could be imminent due to intensifying fighting between Sudan's Army and paramilitary forces.

What is the current situation in Al Fasha according to the BBC interview?

The situation in Al Fasha is described as horrific, with fighting escalating over the past month, hundreds of graves discovered, and the city being the last stronghold for the Army in the Darfur region.

How has the conflict in Sudan affected the civilian population since it began in April 2023?

The conflict has resulted in an estimated 15,000 people killed and nearly 9 million people forced to flee their homes.

What reports have UNICEF received regarding children in Al Fasha?

UNICEF has received alarming reports that at least six children have been killed and many more injured in Al Fasha since June 7th.

Why is there concern about the potential fall of Al Fasha to the RSF (Rapid Support Forces)?

There is concern that the fall of Al Fasha could lead to further atrocities, similar to what was witnessed in El Geneina where an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people, predominantly from the ethnic black communities, were killed.

What is the current state of healthcare facilities in Al Fasha?

Healthcare facilities in Al Fasha are under severe strain, with only the most severe cases being attended to, and there is an urgent need for replenishment of supplies and emergency medicines.

What is the impact of the conflict on the ethnic communities in Al Fasha?

The conflict is increasingly taking an ethnic dimension, with evidence of ethnic targeting by the Rapid Support Forces, particularly against the predominantly black Zagawa community.

What challenges are faced by healthcare workers and volunteers in Al Fasha?

Healthcare workers and volunteers are facing difficulties due to limited resources, the need for emergency medicines, and the constant threat of violence as they try to save lives.

What is the current state of the South hospital in Al Fasha?

The South hospital was stormed by RSF fighters who opened fire and looted it, forcing staff and patients to escape, and leaving the facility shut down.

What is the US Special Envoy's position on the potential partition of Sudan by the RSF?

The US Special Envoy has warned that if the RSF takes over Al Fasha and completes control of the Darfur region, leading to a potential partition of Sudan, the US will not recognize such a partition.

What is the international community's role in addressing the conflict in Sudan?

The international community, including the US, has been accused of not paying enough attention to the conflict in Sudan and is being urged to push for peace talks and prevent further escalation of violence.