UN is needed in Sudan 'to monitor violations' after abuses allegedly from RSF • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Al-Fasher Siege: A prolonged military blockade of Al-Fasher, Sudan, lasting over 16 months.
• RSF (Rapid Support Forces): A paramilitary group involved in the conflict in Sudan.
• International Humanitarian Law (IHL): A set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons.
• Displacement: The forced movement of people from their homes due to conflict or disaster.
• Malnutrition: A severe deficiency in caloric intake, vital nutrients, and/or minerals.
• Humanitarian Access: The ability of humanitarian organizations to reach populations in need with aid and services.
• Cross-border Chat: A reference to a specific route or mechanism for delivering aid into Sudan.
• Last Mile Organization: Humanitarian organizations that operate at the most remote and challenging points of delivery.

RSF Arrests and Civilian Protection

The discussion begins by addressing claims made by the RSF regarding arrests, specifically mentioning an individual referred to as "Abu Lulu," who has been reportedly seen in videos shooting unarmed men at close range. Kashif Safi, Country Director at Relief International Sudan, expresses skepticism that paramilitary forces would be unaware of such actions until now.

Safi highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Al-Fasher, which has been under siege for over 16 months. Following the siege, widespread violence has occurred, forcing people to flee to seek safety. This situation constitutes a "great violation to the international humanitarian laws," with people trapped between hunger, fear, and loss. Thousands have already fled, walking for days through the desert to reach Tabila. The situation is described as "beyond catastrophic," with fleeing individuals facing immense violations and seeking safe refuge.

Regarding the arrests, Safi welcomes any steps taken to ensure civilian protection. However, he emphasizes that thousands are still trapped in the open desert, and the international community must pressure the warring parties to ensure their protection. While acknowledging the arrests as a step, he stresses the need to see consequences.

Urgent Needs and Humanitarian Challenges

A primary concern is the provision of "open corridors" for civilians trapped in Al-Fasher and the open desert. Safi calls for "decisive actions" and pressure from the international community, including UN presence on the ground to monitor violations and ensure civilian protection. Any action to protect civilians is welcomed.

Relief International operates over 130 health facilities across Sudan, with a focus on the "NATA situation" (likely referring to a specific health crisis or region). Safi recounts an incident where their alarm stop in Zum was killed when Zum was taken over, underscoring the critical need for the "protection of humanitarian workers" and "safe corridors" for supplies.

The scale of the war and displacement is not fully understood by the international community. In Tabila city alone, approximately 600,000 people are present, facing severe shortages of food, water, and essential supplies. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of "malnutrition kids," some of whom are displaced and separated from their parents. Malnutrition is at its peak, with Al-Fasher previously having the "global highest malnutrition rate around the world."

Resource Gaps and Access Issues

A significant challenge is getting supplies into Al-Fasher and surrounding areas. The resources available to humanitarian organizations are insufficient to meet the required scale of the crisis. Safi urges the international community to pay close attention to this crisis, as people are dying due to the lack of adequate services.

Accessing Tabila and Al-Fasher through "cross-border chat" (likely a specific aid route) presents its own challenges. The international trade route towards Chat and moving towards Dark is described as a "biggest challenge for the organization."

Call for International Support

Safi concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for international community presence on the ground. He stresses that humanitarian organizations operating on the ground must be provided with "adequate resources" to address the immense needs.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The transcript details the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Al-Fasher, Sudan, characterized by a prolonged siege, widespread violence, and mass displacement. While acknowledging the RSF's claims of arrests as a potential step towards civilian protection, the speaker emphasizes the urgent need for decisive international action, including pressure on warring parties, the establishment of safe corridors for civilians and aid, and increased UN presence to monitor violations. Significant challenges include limited humanitarian access, severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, and a critical lack of resources for aid organizations to meet the overwhelming needs, particularly concerning malnutrition. The speaker calls for greater international attention and resources to prevent further loss of life.