‘The situation is terrible’: aid workers on life in Sudanese city pummelled by drone strikes

The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, has issued a "red alert" concerning potential atrocity crimes in and around el-Obeid, Sudan. He stated that signs indicate another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in the city, which has faced siegelike conditions for 18 months amidst the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in significant casualties, displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. The UN Human Rights Council is holding an urgent debate on the situation, with diplomats and advocacy groups expressing concerns about looming atrocities against civilians. Türk urged world leaders to take more action to prevent further bloodshed and atrocity crimes in el-Obeid and other parts of Kordofan.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has issued a "red alert" regarding a potential human rights catastrophe in el-Obeid, Sudan. He warned of an imminent assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and urged global leaders to act to prevent atrocities. Civilians in el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, have endured siege-like conditions and drone attacks for 18 months amidst fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. The city is a strategic battleground due to its location on a key route linking RSF-held areas in Darfur to army-controlled eastern regions. The UN Human Rights Council is holding an urgent debate on the situation at the request of the United Kingdom and other countries.

Amnesty International has released a report accusing Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing during their seizure of El Fasher last year. The report details widespread and systematic attacks against civilians, including murder, torture, rape, enslavement, and sexual slavery, often targeting non-Arab communities. Amnesty's findings are based on interviews with survivors, documentary evidence, and satellite imagery, concluding that the RSF committed war crimes and the crime against humanity of persecution. The organization also highlighted the deliberate targeting of children and the destruction of villages consistent with ethnic cleansing. Amnesty International called for an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of an international force to protect civilians, naming three RSF commanders responsible for alleged violations.

The Sudanese city of El Obeid has become a key battleground in the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Aid workers report a severe escalation of drone strikes, with recent attacks targeting schools and fuel stations, killing over 20 people, including students. These attacks, described as a daily norm by some, have damaged essential infrastructure like the power station and market, impacting civilian life and increasing prices. The UN human rights commissioner has warned of an unfolding human rights catastrophe in El Obeid, urging international action to prevent atrocity crimes. The RSF's actions in other cities, like El Fasher, have raised fears of similar massacres.

El-Obeid, the capital of Sudan's North Kordofan state, is facing a potential humanitarian catastrophe as Rapid Support Forces (RSF) troops besiege the city. Approximately 500,000 civilians, including 100,000 displaced people, are trapped amid drone strikes and escalating attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools. The UN Human Rights Council is scheduled to hold an urgent debate on the crisis. The RSF's siege has led to a surge in food prices, making essentials unaffordable for many. The strategic importance of el-Obeid, a key link between Khartoum and Darfur and a military stronghold, makes it a critical battleground in the ongoing conflict between government forces and the RSF.