Minawi Acknowledges Fall of El-Fashir Amid UN Concern Over Civilian Situation

The Governor of Darfur Region, Minni Arko Minawi, on Monday, acknowledged the fall of the city of El-Fashir to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing the latter of committing widespread violations against civilians, while the United Nations called for an immediate ceasefire in the capital of North Darfur.

The militia announced on Sunday its control over the headquarters of the Sixth Infantry Division of the Sudanese army, following violent clashes that lasted more than two years.

Minawi, who also supervises the joint force allied with the Sudanese army, said in a tweet on X that “the fall of El-Fashir does not mean relinquishing Darfur’s future to violent groups or to the interests of corruption and treachery.”

He added that protecting civilians and determining the fate of the displaced persons (IDPs) are priorities, calling for an independent investigation into the violations and massacres committed by the “militias” away from public scrutiny.

UN Concern

The United Nations called for an immediate ceasefire in El-Fashir and other parts of Sudan, expressing concern over reports of civilian casualties and forced displacement amid escalating fighting in the capital of North Darfur, where intensive shelling and ground attacks have swept through the city.

The UN emphasized the necessity of allowing humanitarian aid to reach civilians safely, quickly, and without obstacles, adding: “Humanitarian agencies have life-saving supplies, but the intensive attacks have made it impossible to deliver assistance, and local humanitarian workers continue to save lives under fire.”