The United Nations has called on Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to halt an imminent offensive in the North Darfur city of El Fasher, warning that an attack would have catastrophic consequences for civilians. The appeal was made on June 20, 2026, amid escalating tensions in the region.
UN officials stated that the RSF appears to be preparing for a major assault on El Fasher, which is currently under the control of the Sudanese army and allied militias. The city has been a focal point of the ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023.
The UN's warning comes as humanitarian conditions in Darfur deteriorate, with millions displaced and facing severe food insecurity. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that any new offensive could trigger a fresh wave of displacement and worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis.
International mediators have urged both sides to return to negotiations, but the RSF has not publicly responded to the UN's demand. The conflict in Sudan has already resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 10 million people, according to UN estimates.
