The United Nations on Thursday warned of “widespread atrocities” threatening El-Fasher, western Sudan, the army’s last stronghold in Darfur, which the Rapid Support Forces have besieged since May 2024.

UN rights chief Volker Türk stressed that civilian protection and lifting the siege were urgent, after 91 civilians were killed between September 19 and 29.

He said the city, cut off for over 500 days, is on the “brink of a major catastrophe.”

Sudan’s war is now in its third year, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions displaced.