UN Rights Chief Warns of 'Red Alert' Atrocities in Sudan's Al-Obeid

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has issued a stark warning about escalating violence in Sudan, particularly in and around the city of Al-Obeid. He described the situation as a "red alert" for the world, signaling a potential human rights catastrophe unfolding in the nation.

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Signs from the city are clear and unambiguous: another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan.

Türk detailed that civilians in Al-Obeid have been under siege for 18 months, facing drone attacks amid intense fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for control of surrounding areas. With a population of half a million, the city's residents are struggling with severe shortages of food, fuel, and water due to infrastructure damage.

"This is not a drill," Türk stated at a special session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, urging an end to the conflict. He drew parallels to the RSF's capture of Al-Faschir last year, which resulted in at least 6,000 deaths and alleged war crimes. Germany, along with other European nations, initiated the Human Rights Council debate, with German UN Ambassador Antje Leendertse asserting that "the world is watching closely. No one will be able to evade their responsibility."

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This is not a drill. This is a red warning that must land on the desks of heads of state worldwide.

The conflict, which began in April 2023, has already driven nearly 14 million people to flee and led to widespread famine, with estimates of nearly 60,000 deaths. The Sudanese army controls the center and east, while the RSF has consolidated power in the western Darfur region, intensifying the struggle for control in areas like Al-Obeid.

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The world is watching closely. No one will be able to evade their responsibility.