The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) is horrified by the reported targeting and mass killings of civilians in Darfur.

This week the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed control of El Fasher, which was the final city held in Darfur by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

After over two and half years of being under siege, 260,000 civilians were estimated to be trapped in the city ahead of the attacks this past Sunday, half of them children. These civilians are unable to access food, medical care and other essentials.

Since taking the city, there has been reports of the killing of 2,000 civilians by the RSF who in the past have been accused of ethnic cleansing and other crimes against humanity.

ACFID calls on the Australian Government to:

• Provide immediate and additional humanitarian assistance funding to Sudan and surrounding displacement camps;
• Continue to publicly condemn the atrocities being committed by the RSF, including the restriction of humanitarian assistance, and reiterate calls for an immediate ceasefire;
• Work alongside the international community toward a peaceful solution in Sudan and accountability for the perpetrators of crimes against humanity and other violations of international law.

ACFID echoes the concern of the United Nations Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs that what is unfolding in El Fasher recalls the horrors that Darfur was subjected to twenty years ago… but somehow today we are seeing a very different global reaction – one of resignation.”

Quotes attributable to Matthew Maury, CEO of ACFID:

“The RSF is committing violations reminiscent to those in Darfur two decades ago which led to the recent International Criminal Court indictments for crimes against humanity, rape, forced transfer, and torture.”

“We appreciate comments by the Australian Government regarding the recent events in El Fasher. This is an important opportunity for Australia to work with their partners to ensure that all parties to the conflict are committed to a peaceful resolution and immediate humanitarian access.”

“ACFID members have a long history of humanitarian work in Sudan and are continuing to respond.”

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media at  [email protected]  or call 0401 721 064.