NEW YORK / KHARTOUM — The United Nations is calling for a dramatic expansion of its presence in Sudan as violence escalates in Darfur, with humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher describing the situation as a “horror show.”
Speaking via video conference from Sudan, Fletcher told reporters in New York that “we need more UN boots on the ground,” stressing the need to mobilize closer to affected communities. He said his visit was part of a broader five- to six-week surge in leadership engagement, alongside senior officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Atrocities in El-Fasher
Fletcher described El-Fasher as a “crime scene” based on survivor testimonies, warning that atrocities must be investigated and new ones prevented. He also urged close monitoring of the Kordofan region, where violence is spreading.
Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian needs remain overwhelming, with nearly two in every three people in Sudan requiring assistance. Fletcher said the UN’s $4 billion appeal for 2025 is only 32 percent funded, forcing “brutal life and death choices.”
Despite challenges, he noted progress in securing access to El-Fasher “on UN terms,” emphasizing that aid must remain neutral.
Diplomatic Push
Fletcher said he had spoken with RSF leader General Hemedti, pressing for unhindered humanitarian access and safe passage. He cited strong regional and international messaging, including from the White House, urging all parties to end atrocities.
“The level of impunity in Sudan is utterly, utterly unacceptable,” Fletcher warned, while suggesting that intensified diplomacy may signal “a moment of opportunity.”