UNITED NATIONS -- The Security Council on Saturday expressed concern over the growing tensions and military operations around El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in Sudan.

In a press statement, the members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern over an imminent offensive by the Rapid Support Forces and their allied militias against El Fasher, which is sheltering hundreds of thousands of people who have fled violence elsewhere.

They called on the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, which have been fighting each other since April 15, 2023, to end the build-up of military forces around El Fasher and take steps to de-escalate the situation while complying with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

The council members repeated their calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. They urged all UN member states to refrain from external interference and instead to support efforts for a durable peace. They reminded all parties to the conflict and UN member states to adhere to their obligations concerning the arms embargo.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly warned against an attack on El Fasher, a critical UN humanitarian hub.