The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) has expressed deep alarm over escalating violence and reports of atrocities in El Fasher, North Darfur, following its recent takeover by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In a resolution adopted during its 1308th emergency meeting held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Council strongly condemned the RSF’s criminal activities and grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, warning that those responsible will be held accountable.

The AU said the situation in El Fasher, where residents have been trapped under siege since May 2024 with no access to food or basic necessities, represents “an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe that offends African values and international law.”

“Acting under Article 7 of its Protocol, the Peace and Security Council 1. Expresses alarm over the escalating violence and reported atrocities in El Fasher, following its takeover by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has resulted in loss of life and continues to cause an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe; 2. Condemns in the strongest terms possible the criminal activities against Sudanese civilians and the grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law perpetrated by the paramilitary RSF; and calls on the leader of the paramilitary RSF to uphold the international humanitarian law,” the council stated.

Immediate and unconditional ceasefire

The PSC also demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow life-saving aid to reach affected populations. It also directed the AU Commission to monitor and report on ongoing atrocities, develop a civilian protection plan, and make recommendations within three weeks.

In a rare warning, the AU also condemned external interference fuelling the Sudan conflict, urging accountability for foreign actors who provide military, financial, or political support to either side.

Sudan peace efforts

The PSC requested the Chairperson of the AU Commission to urgently convene a joint meeting with the United Nations (UN), IGAD, and the Quad on Sudan to strengthen coordination and establish a unified mechanism for peace efforts.

“Demands for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow life-saving aid to reach affected populations in El Fasher and warns that perpetrators of such heinous acts will be held accountable; and requests the AU Commission to regularly monitor and report such heinous crimes committed throughout Sudan in order to put in place preventive measures and reduce the risk of recurrence; develop proposals on how to address them to prevent their further escalation; develop a plan for the protection of civilians; and make recommendations to the PSC within three weeks,” the communique read in part.

“Once again, strongly condemns any external interference in Sudan which is fueling the Sudanese conflict in flagrant violation of all relevant PSC communiques and UN Security Council resolutions, in particular Resolution 2750 (2024) and warns that those who support the parties to fuel the conflict in the country will be held accountable; in this regard requests the chairperson of the Commission to urgently convene a meeting of the AU, UN, IGAD and Quad on the situation in Sudan so as to ensure coordination of efforts and to put in place a coordination mechanism.”