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

Drone attacks on the besieged Sudanese city of El Obeid have become increasingly violent, with recent strikes hitting schools and fuel stations and killing more than 20 people, including students. Aid workers describe counting dozens of drones as a daily norm, with this past weekend's attacks being the most severe.

El Obeid, a city of half a million people, is a critical battleground in the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF's mounting attacks have raised concerns among UN agencies about the risk of atrocities, drawing parallels to the massacre in El Fasher last year.

Recent UN human rights office data indicates at least 45 people were killed and 41 injured in 15 drone strikes in and around El Obeid between June 6 and June 28. The city, situated between RSF-held western Darfur and army-controlled eastern regions, has faced repeated drone strikes targeting its infrastructure as the army attempts to prevent further blockades by the paramilitary group.

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Over the past few months, seeing 40 or 45 drones is the norm. You can literally count them.

Volker Türk, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, issued a stark warning, stating that "The signs from El Obeid are clear and unmistakable: another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan." He urged global leaders to act urgently to prevent atrocity crimes in El Obeid and other areas in Kordofan, emphasizing that the situation is a "red alert."

Experts note significant RSF troop concentrations around El Obeid, anticipating an imminent ground offensive. A recent report highlighted damage to essential civilian infrastructure, including electricity generation, fuel storage, and the main market, consistent with intentional bombardment. The SAF has also prepared defensive positions, suggesting anticipation of a siege.

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The signs from El Obeid are clear and unmistakable: another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan.. This is not a drill. It is a red alert that needs to land on the desks of heads of state and government around the world.