UN Migration Chief Urges Ceasefire, Humanitarian Corridor for Trapped Civilians in Sudan’s el-Fasher

UN Migration Chief Urges Ceasefire, Humanitarian Corridor for Trapped Civilians in Sudan’s el-Fasher
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The head of the United Nations’ migration agency has called for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to assist tens of thousands of civilians trapped in el-Fasher, Sudan’s Darfur region, according to a report by Al Jazeera. Amy Pope, director-general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said access to the city remains the main challenge, as residents have been cut off from aid since the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control on October 26.

Pope warned that humanitarian operations have become increasingly dangerous, with aid workers facing detention and attacks. She emphasized the need for safe access to deliver essential supplies to civilians caught in the conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Rights groups have accused the RSF of carrying out mass killings during its takeover of el-Fasher.

The IOM estimates that about 90,000 people have fled the city, while many others remain stranded amid worsening violence. The agency also warned that Sudan’s overall humanitarian response is near collapse, with empty warehouses and restricted aid routes. UN Women reported widespread sexual violence against displaced women and girls, describing it as a weapon of war.