Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The UN’s top human rights official, Volker Türk, has warned of an imminent offensive against El Obeid, the capital of Sudan’s North Kordofan state, cautioning that it risks serious international crimes and could worsen an already dire humanitarian situation. This warning follows reports of increased Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and allied troops near the city, as well as intensified drone and artillery attacks over the past two weeks targeting fuel stations and trucks. These attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and restricted access to essential services.
Since April 2023, Sudan has faced conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, causing the internal displacement of over 13 million people and pushing many toward famine. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted in many regions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed alarm over a possible imminent ground offensive near El Obeid and urged those with influence over the parties to help prevent further violence, warning against a repeat of atrocities seen in El Fasher.
Volker Türk underscored similarities between the situation in El Obeid and the pattern of atrocities documented last year in El Fasher and the Zamzam displacement camp, stressing the urgent need to prevent a repeat of these crimes. He called on all parties to ensure the safe movement of civilians affected by the violence.