Kuala lumpur: Expressing 'deep alarm' over the unfolding tragedy in El-Fasher city and across Darfur, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday warned that atrocities in Sudan may amount to genocide. He sought an 'immediate' cessation of violence for the protection of civilians in Sudan.

According to Anadolu Agency, Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the severity of the situation, labeling it a 'humanitarian catastrophe' characterized by mass killings, starvation, and displacement that shock the conscience. He highlighted reports indicating that these atrocities might constitute crimes against humanity and potentially genocide, which he described as intolerable.

Anwar, stressing full respect for international humanitarian law, expressed Malaysia's solidarity with the people of Sudan. He urged the international community to take decisive action to prevent further suffering, restore humanitarian access, and support a credible process towards peace and accountability.

The situation escalated on October 26, when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of El-Fasher in North Darfur state, committing massacres against civilians. This has raised concerns that the assault could entrench the geographical partition of Sudan.

RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as 'Hemedti,' later acknowledged that his forces had committed 'violations' in El-Fasher and claimed that investigation committees had been established.

The ongoing conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, has seen the Sudanese army and the RSF locked in a war that has eluded resolution despite regional and international mediation efforts. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 20,000 people and displaced more than 15 million as refugees and internally displaced individuals, as reported by the UN and local sources.