UN Ambassador: ‘History repeating itself in Darfur’

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened a private closed session yesterday in New York to address the mounting military operations in North Darfur’s capital of El Fasher. The escalation will potentially impact hundreds of thousands of civilians, including displaced individuals and local populations.

Sudan’s permanent mission to the United Nations had urged the council to intervene and halt the United Arab Emirates support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with weaponry.

Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host peace negotiations in Jeddah, with the involvement of key stakeholders such as the United States, the African Union, and the United Nations, and potentially the UAE and Egypt.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, presented multiple proposals during the session aimed at de-escalating the crisis, including a call for an immediate cessation of arms shipments to both the military and the RSF from foreign nations, particularly the UAE.

In her post–session remarks, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield warned of an impending massacre in El Fasher, emphasising the urgent need for action to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, adding that  “…history is repeating itself in Darfur in the worst possible way.”

She outlined five key measures to address the crisis, including ending the RSF’s blockade of El Fasher and initiating direct negotiations in Jeddah.

Regarding the supply of weapons to the warring parties, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield underscored the imperative of complying with UNSC resolutions, urging all countries involved, including the UAE, to cease their support.

UK Ambassador to the United Nations James Kariuki, echoed concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis and the threat of famine, emphasising the Council’s unity in addressing the situation. 

Ambassador Kariuki called for need for de-escalation, humanitarian aid delivery, and a return to political negotiations in Jeddah. 

As tensions mount and the risk of violence looms, diplomatic efforts remain imperative in resolving the crisis and averting further humanitarian devastation.