Khartoum: Senior officials from more than 30 countries and international bodies have urged an immediate halt to the siege of El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur region. The call to action comes as fears of famine and war crimes continue to grow amid ongoing conflicts.

According to Anadolu Agency, a joint statement from these officials warns that hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped without essential supplies such as food, water, and medical care. The conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces has led to dire circumstances, with all trade routes and supply lines being cut off, severely hindering the delivery of lifesaving aid for over a year.

The statement highlights the alarming spread of famine, which was first confirmed in camps near El Fasher in August 2024. The situation has worsened during the current lean season, with over 60 people reportedly dying from malnutrition in the past week. Rising cases of cholera are further exacerbating the effects of malnutrition, posing an even greater threat to the affected populations.

The officials condemned the violations of international humanitarian law, citing "alarming rates of conflict-related sexual violence," and attacks on critical infrastructure such as markets and hospitals. Reports indicate that over 1,500 civilians were killed in the Zamzam displacement camp in April, with at least 40 more dying in a recent attack on the Abu Shouk camp.

The International Criminal Court has stated that there are "reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been, and continue to be, committed in Darfur." The joint statement calls on the RSF and its allies to halt the siege on El Fasher and to allow a humanitarian pause for safe and unconditional access to aid and safe passage for civilians.

The officials also urged the Sudanese Armed Forces to renew their agreement to this humanitarian pause and to open the Adre border crossing for humanitarian actors. They emphasized the need to remove bureaucratic obstacles to aid delivery, affirming their support for the people of Sudan and the humanitarian organizations working under challenging conditions to assist them.