Urgent Appeal from the RSF on the Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur

Urgent Appeal from the RSF on the Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) expresses unwavering solidarity with the victims of the catastrophic famine in Darfur. This humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by the intentional use of starvation by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its terror-driven allies from the former regime. These forces have deliberately obstructed and prevented the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to Darfur and other regions of the country.

The RSF condemns this egregious tactic as a cowardly weapon and urgently calls upon the United Nations and the international community to intervene immediately to save the millions of lives now imperiled by starvation. Our urgent plea is underscored by the recent statement by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, confirming that the SAF has denied access to humanitarian aid through the Adri crossing.

We reaffirm our previously stated positions, as articulated by RSF Commander, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive humanitarian emergency response program to save the people of Sudan from famine. We hold the jihadist Islamic Movement, which leads the SAF and serves as the unifying force of the former regime, accountable for the reprehensible use of food as a weapon in this conflict. Their culpability is further corroborated by the public declaration of SAF General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan that they “will not allow the entry of aid into areas under RSF control."

The RSF remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid. We demand the establishment of a joint supreme mechanism between our forces and the UN to oversee humanitarian aid measures and commitments, protect civilians, address operational challenges, identify implementation gaps, and work toward their resolution. This crisis is already manifesting in Darfur and other regions, necessitating immediate and decisive action.

We call on the UN and its agencies to fulfill their moral and ethical responsibility and expedite the rescue of millions of starving Sudanese. We have already urged the use of all border crossings in RSF-controlled areas, particularly the Adri crossing, to ensure the swift and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to those in dire need. We renew our proposal for the appointment of a UN humanitarian coordinator in areas under RSF control to enhance coordination, cooperation, and communication. We hope the tragic situation facing IDPs in the Zamzam camp will prompt the UN and its agencies to initiate effective and immediate solutions, prioritizing the survival and well-being of millions of our people over political considerations.

The RSF remains resolute in its commitment to facilitating humanitarian aid and safeguarding civilians. We stand ready to engage in meaningful negotiations to end this war and achieve lasting peace and stability in Sudan.

Office of the Official Spokesperson
Rapid Support Forces