PRESS RELEASE : The RSF must halt its siege of El Fasher – UK statement at the UN Security Council [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 September 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

The UK requested this Council meeting following alarming reports of escalation around El Fasher. I would like to make three points.

First, we strongly condemn the Rapid Support Forces’ assault on El Fasher. We call on the RSF to halt its siege of the area and for an immediate end to the fighting. Aerial bombardments, shelling and other combat activity by the warring parties have resulted in yet further displacement and destruction of critical infrastructure.

We also call on states to refrain from enhancing either side’s fighting capability. All Member States have a responsibility to uphold the arms embargo which this Council renewed just last week.

Second, it is imperative that the warring parties uphold their obligations under international law and that there is accountability for violations. The escalation around El Fasher clearly contravenes resolution 2736 agreed by this Council in June.

We must continue to send a clear message to the warring parties that we are watching closely. We also note the work underway by the Secretary-General to produce recommendations for the protection of civilians. Events in El Fasher emphasise the importance of this work.

Third, President, we underscore our concern at the humanitarian impact of the violence across Sudan and its destabilising effect on the region. Over 10 million people have already been displaced. A new wave of violence, as we’ve heard, will exacerbate this even further.

The recent re-opening of the Adre border crossing is an important step, but humanitarian access still desperately needs to be scaled up – both cross-border and across conflict lines.

We must also ensure that access is not slowed down by bureaucratic impediments. President, we once again call on both warring parties to return to negotiations in good faith and to stop this senseless violence now.