Sudan: UN warns of mass atrocities in El-Obeid

The United Nations Security Council has issued a stark warning regarding the "imminent risk of mass atrocities" in El-Obeid, Sudan. Paramilitary forces, identified as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), are advancing on the strategically important city, which has been encircled for months. The UNSC demanded that the RSF immediately halt its assault, expressing deep concern over escalating fighting in the Kordofan states.

This escalation threatens to worsen an already dire humanitarian situation in Sudan. The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Army, ongoing since April 2023, has been described by the UN as the world's largest displacement and hunger crises. Tens of thousands have died, over 11 million people are displaced, and nearly half the population faces food insecurity.

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The members of the Security Council expressed concern at the imminent risk of mass atrocities and demanded the RSF immediately halt its assault on El-Obeid.

The Security Council's statement echoes concerns voiced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who urged the international community to prevent further bloodshed. Guterres specifically warned against a repeat of the "horrors of El Fasher" in El Obeid, referencing the RSF's capture of the Darfur city last year, which the UN said showed "hallmarks of genocide" and resulted in over 6,000 deaths in three days.

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We must not allow the horrors of El Fasher to be repeated in El Obeid.