UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the war in Sudan is "spiraling out of control" after the RSF seized El Fasher, where UN officials report alleged mass killings and other abuses. He called for an immediate ceasefire, a halt to weapons entering Sudan and international accountability mechanisms. The conflict has killed over 40,000, displaced more than 14 million, and left two regions facing famine.
UN Chief: Sudan War "Spiraling Out of Control" After RSF Seizes El Fasher — Guterres Demands Ceasefire and Accountability
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the war in Sudan is "spiraling out of control" after the RSF seized El Fasher, where UN officials report alleged mass killings and other abuses. He called for an immediate ceasefire, a halt to weapons entering Sudan and international accountability mechanisms. The conflict has killed over 40,000, displaced more than 14 million, and left two regions facing famine.
17:31, 04.11.2025Conflict
UN secretary-general warns Sudan war "spiraling out of control" after El Fasher seizure
The United Nations secretary-general, António Guterres, warned Tuesday that the war in Sudan is "spiraling out of control" after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the Darfur city of El Fasher. Speaking at a UN summit in Qatar, Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire to stem what he called one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
"Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped by this siege. People are dying of malnutrition, disease and violence. And we are hearing continued reports of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights," Guterres said. He added there were "credible reports of widespread executions since the Rapid Support Forces entered the city."
UN officials have warned of a brutal assault after the RSF took control of El Fasher, including allegations that more than 450 people were killed in a hospital, ethnically targeted killings and sexual assaults. The RSF denies these allegations, but testimony from people fleeing, online videos and satellite imagery depict widespread destruction. Poor communications across the region mean the full scale of the violence remains uncertain.
The RSF had besieged El Fasher for 18 months, cutting off food and other essential supplies to tens of thousands of residents before seizing the city last week. The capture has deepened an already catastrophic humanitarian emergency across Sudan.
Since April 2023, fighting between the RSF and Sudan’s regular military has devastated the country. UN figures estimate more than 40,000 people have been killed, while aid groups warn the true death toll may be far higher. The conflict has displaced over 14 million people, fueled disease outbreaks and left two regions facing famine that risks spreading.
Guterres urged coordinated international action: an immediate ceasefire, measures to prevent further arms flows into Sudan and robust mechanisms to ensure accountability for atrocities. "One thing that is essential to stop the fighting is to make sure that no more weapons come into Sudan," he said.
What happens next: The UN chief called on countries and organizations with leverage over the warring parties to intensify diplomatic pressure and secure humanitarian access. Without swift intervention, the scale of human suffering is likely to increase.