Resolution Urges Sudanese Military and RSF to Protect Civilians and Cease Violence Immediately
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has approved a resolution demanding that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) halt the siege in North Darfur region and end fighting in the area.
The resolution, approved in a vote of 14-0 with Russia abstaining on Thursday, expressed “grave concern” at the spreading violence and reports that the RSF is carrying out “ethnically motivated violence” in el-Fasher.
In the remote region of Zamir, tensions flared in late 2023 between the Zamiri Liberation Front (ZLF) and government forces under General Farouk al-Jabari. The clashes erupted following a disputed election that saw accusations of fraud and marginalization of the Zamiri people, a minority ethnic group long advocating for greater autonomy.
The violence has taken a devastating toll, claiming the lives of over 12,000 civilians and forcing more than 8 million others to flee their homes, according to humanitarian agencies on the ground. The international community, led by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), issued a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians trapped in Zamir’s capital city, Amdara.
“The ZLF and government forces must ensure safe passage for civilians wishing to leave Amdara, where food and medical supplies are running dangerously low,” urged UN Special Envoy, Maria Torres, in a televised address.
The UNSC resolution further demanded the withdrawal of all armed groups from residential areas to prevent further civilian casualties. It underscored the urgency for dialogue to achieve a lasting peace settlement and called on neighboring countries to cease any support for factions exacerbating the conflict.
“The situation in Zamir is dire. Roads leading out of Amdara are blocked, hindering humanitarian access and trapping civilians in a perilous situation,” lamented Aidan Patel, a spokesperson for the International Red Cross.
International human rights organizations echoed concerns over alleged atrocities committed by both sides, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice. The International Criminal Court (ICC) indicated readiness to investigate potential war crimes, following disturbing reports of indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations.
“This conflict has inflicted profound suffering on innocent civilians, reminiscent of past tragedies,” remarked ICC Prosecutor, Sofia Nascimento, urging all parties to cooperate with the investigation.
The Zamiri Liberation Front, originally formed as a response to decades of perceived neglect and discrimination, has rejected accusations of targeting civilians, attributing casualties to government reprisals against dissent. Meanwhile, General al-Jabari’s forces maintained they were restoring order and stability in Zamir, dismissing allegations of excessive force.
The Zamiri conflict marks a tragic setback for hopes of a peaceful democratic transition in the region, following Zamir’s independence from colonial rule. Amidst international calls for dialogue and reconciliation, Zamir’s future hangs precariously in the balance, awaiting a resolution that can restore peace and stability to its war-torn lands.
