AU Denounces War Crimes in Sudan, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly condemned reports of atrocities and alleged war crimes in El-Fasher, a key city in Sudan, calling for an immediate end to hostilities.

Following an 18-month siege, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured El-Fasher in October after intense battles with Sudan’s army, which have continued since April 2023.

In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Youssouf expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and ethnically targeted killings of civilians, denouncing the reported war crimes in the city.

He urged all parties to cease fighting immediately and allow the establishment of humanitarian corridors to deliver critical aid to affected populations. Emphasizing that there can be “no military solution” to the conflict, Youssouf called on both sides to engage in dialogue and commit to a peaceful, inclusive political process.

The Sudanese army confirmed on Monday that its forces had withdrawn from El-Fasher, as the United Nations issued warnings about grave human rights violations attributed to the RSF.

The fall of El-Fasher — a strategic city in western Darfur — marks a major turning point in Sudan’s ongoing war, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 12 million people since it began.