The United Nations’ chief humanitarian coordinator, Tom Fletcher, made an urgent appeal on Monday, pushing for a major increase in the organization’s presence across Sudan.
“The UN is a ship that was not built to stay in the harbor,” Fletcher stated, emphasizing the need for more U.N. personnel as violence intensifies, particularly in the Darfur region.
Briefing reporters via video conference, Fletcher stressed the core goal of his recent trip: “We need more UN boots on the ground,” noting that his visit was part of a focused effort “to make sure we’re mobilized closer to those we serve.”
Darfur Described as a “Horror Show”
Fletcher did not mince words when describing the situation in Darfur. He characterized the region as a “horror show,” and stated that the city of El Fasher is a “crime scene” based on harrowing testimonies from survivors.
Beyond the immediate crisis in Darfur, Fletcher warned that the U.N. must maintain close surveillance on the Kordofans region. He stressed the imperative to investigate the atrocities documented in El Fasher while simultaneously working to prevent new ones from occurring elsewhere.
His trip was coordinated with other high-level U.N. officials, including the heads of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This coordinated effort is part of a planned five- to six-week surge in senior leadership engagement in the country.
Overwhelming Needs and Diplomatic Push
The humanitarian needs across Sudan remain colossal. Fletcher reported that “nearly two in every three people in Sudan” require assistance. Despite this scale, the U.N. funding appeal for 2025 is only 32 percent funded of the billion necessary.
He warned that these financial shortfalls are forcing aid organizations to make “brutal life and death choices.”
Fletcher highlighted intensified diplomatic efforts, suggesting that a “moment of opportunity” may be emerging to shift the trajectory of the conflict.
He detailed engagement with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), confirming he spoke directly with General Hemedti and local RSF representatives.
Fletcher pressed both for“complete unhindered access, safe passage,”and an immediate end to the atrocities. Citing strong international messaging, he stressed that all warring parties must grant humanitarian access and actively work toward ending the conflict. Fletcher warned that the current level of impunity in Sudan is “utterly, utterly unacceptable.”
