Port Sudan, July 29(Darfur24)
The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta Salami, has condemned the indiscriminate attacks in El Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur State.
El Fasher witnessed artillery shelling on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, after a period of calm in the city where deadly fighting erupted between the army and allied armed movements and the Rapid Support Forces since May 10.
Salami said in a statement obtained by “Darfur24”: “I am deeply saddened by these horrific attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, apartments and markets. Civilian infrastructure should never be a target and is protected under international humanitarian law.”
She added: “The United Nations in Sudan strongly condemns these indiscriminate attacks and expresses its deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.”
She stressed that the bombing of El Fasher took many civilians by surprise as the city had witnessed relative calm for about two weeks, enabling markets to reopen and many families to resume their livelihoods.
She pointed out that the resumption of livelihoods and other economic activities, unhindered humanitarian access, and increased humanitarian funding are critical for Sudan to avert the imminent threat of famine.
25.6 million people are suffering from acute hunger, while more than 8.5 million people are facing emergency levels of hunger, while more than 755,000 people are living in catastrophic conditions in Greater Darfur, South and North Kordofan, Blue Nile, Al-Jazeera and Khartoum.
The conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has killed more than 18,800 people, injured more than 33,000 people, and displaced more than 10 million people from their homes, including more than 5 million children.
“At this moment when partners are racing against time and doing everything they can to avert a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe, I call on the parties to stop the fighting and do everything they can to protect civilians, allow them to move freely and go about their daily lives,” said Nkweta Salami.