Stories from El Fasher · Sudan

Warnings are escalating regarding sexual violations against hundreds of girls in western Sudan, amidst ongoing battles in the country's eastern states. The United Nations is warning of the dangerous and escalating repercussions of sexual violence in the Darfur region, confirming these violations. The UN confirms these violations are no longer individual crimes but have become a weapon threatening the social fabric and peace opportunities in the country. A UN report reveals thousands of children born from war-related rape face difficult situations. Reports indicate dangerous sexual violence in Darfur, specifically in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

RSF militia leader Hemeti has accumulated wealth through gold mining in Darfur, according to reports. Hemeti reportedly rose from a background as a camel herder to owning one of the largest gold mines in the region.

Violence is escalating between the Sudanese Army and the Sudanese People's Liberation Army. The conflict has been ongoing for three years. One witness reported a daughter was killed by a grenade splinter in a village east of El Fasher. International mediation attempts to resolve the conflict have failed, according to the report. Dangerous sexual violence is reportedly occurring in Darfur, an area currently controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both Al Araby Radio Qatar and Al Araby Radio (London) confirmed these reports. The reports highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The sources confirmed these reports of severe human rights violations. The UN report indicates that abduction operations have been transformed into a weapon against thousands of girls.

An offensive in El Faschir is feared to have resulted in thousands of deaths. Thousands of people are feared dead following an offensive in El Fasher. The situation remains critical.

Food deliveries to Darfur have not occurred for a couple of weeks, according to a report on WAMU 88.5. Officials are waiting for a World Food Programme team to arrive to conduct an assessment. There is a risk of rapid dehydration among the population due to the lack of supplies.

A UN official, Arnold, stated that many survivors of rape in the Darfur region suffer in silence due to social stigma. For every woman who discloses an assault, there are likely eight or nine other victims. Some survivors have taken their own lives to avoid being raped.

The situation in Darfur is worsening as part of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The crisis is linked to war, malnutrition, and child mortality. Authorities in Port Sudan are reportedly refusing to allow certain aid or movements, according to the source.

Many international aid organizations are refraining from providing assistance to Darfur because aid often fails to reach those in need. The source noted that funding is being withheld due to the inability to ensure aid reaches intended recipients effectively.

The United Nations Security Council has placed Hamdan Daglo, brother of the Rapid Support Forces leader, on a sanctions list. The move follows allegations that he led efforts to purchase weapons and military equipment. The sanctions also include three mercenaries. This development occurs amid a humanitarian crisis in Darfur where 5 million children face severe deprivation due to the ongoing war. The action follows investigations into illicit arms flows in the region. The United Nations Security Council sanctions committee has added Hemedti's brother, Abdeldeeb Hemedti, to its sanctions list. The sanctions follow reports of intense fighting in West Kordofan state, South Sudan, which has left displaced persons in critical condition.

The United Nations has issued a special 'Child Alert' warning for the Darfur region of Sudan due to levels of hunger and violence. This specific alert is a rarely used procedure by the international organization to signal that a situation has reached a critical level. Children are bearing the heaviest burden of the war in Darfur, facing death, injury, disability, and displacement. The agency reported that children are suffering from acute hunger, disease, and psychological trauma. UNICEF reports acute malnutrition and severe psychological trauma among children in North Darfur. The report notes that levels of acute malnutrition in two additional areas in North Darfur rose in February. Children remain among the primary victims of the ongoing food insecurity crisis. Increased disease and lack of humanitarian aid are impacting Darfur.