By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

Amira Agarib, Ambassador of Sudan to South Korea, announced on Nov. 5 that Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, is facing a serious humanitarian crisis due to the atrocities committed by the Sudanese Rapid Support Force (RSF) rebels.

Ambassador Agarib held a press conference at the Sudanese Embassy in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, stating that the RSF massacred approximately 2,000 civilians over the two days after capturing the strategic western city of Al-Fashir.

"The approximately 26,000 refugees who fled Al-Fashir in recent days are suffering human rights violations, including extortion, detention, and looting," she said.

Ambassador Agarib continued, "We urge the international community to protect civilians in Sudan and provide humanitarian assistance," adding, "International organizations, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the African Union (AU), and the Arab League (AL), have strongly condemned the RSF."

Since May 2024, the RSF has been besieging Al-Fashir and engaging in a siege against government forces. Last month, the city was completely captured on October 26.

With the withdrawal of government forces, approximately 260,000 residents fell under the control of the RSF.

Ambassador Agarib explained, "Children, who make up half the population, are not receiving the nutrition they need to sustain life," and "More than 6,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition are not receiving proper treatment due to the RSF's closure of health facilities."

Since independence in 1956, Sudan has experienced frequent civil wars and political instability. Armed conflict between government forces and the RSF has raged for over 30 months, starting in April 2023.

This civil war has left tens of thousands dead and 12 million displaced.

Ambassador Agarib stated, "Mercenaries from more than 17 countries are supporting the RSF," and added, "The international community should designate the RSF as a terrorist organization, hold it accountable, and investigate the countries that support it."

In response to a question about the allegations that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is providing weapons to the RSF, she stated, "We have submitted relevant evidence to the UN, but the UAE has denied this."

With the possibility of a split in Sudan growing following the ouster of government forces, calls for a ceasefire are growing louder in the international community.

Ambassador Agarib emphasized, "The Sudanese government is considering negotiations," but added, "but only if national security is secured and the RSF withdraws from civilian areas, homes, and cities."

The Sudanese government forces have been in a standoff, controlling the eastern, northern, and central regions, while the RSF controls the western and southern regions. Meanwhile, the RSF recently seized control of Al-Fasir, solidifying its sphere of influence.