ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has strongly condemned the recent atrocities in El Fasher, western Sudan.
In a statement issued late Monday, the AUC chairperson expressed "deep concern" over the escalating violence and reported atrocities in El Fasher, following its takeover by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
"The chairperson condemns in the strongest terms the grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including alleged war crimes and ethnically targeted killings of civilians," the statement read.
Youssouf reminded all Sudanese parties of their obligations under international law to protect civilians, and warned that perpetrators of "such heinous acts" will be held accountable.
Calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow life-saving aid to reach affected populations, he stressed that there can be no military solution to Sudan's crisis. He urged all actors to engage in dialogue and commit to a peaceful and inclusive political process.
El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, has been under an intensive siege by the RSF for several months, resulting in heavy casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The RSF announced on Sunday that it had taken full control of El Fasher.
Sudan remains gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The war has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, plunging the country deeper into a humanitarian crisis. ■
