UN Security Council Warns of 'Imminent Risk of Mass Atrocities' in Sudan's El-Obeid

The United Nations Security Council has voiced grave concern over the "imminent risk of mass atrocities" in Sudan, specifically targeting the besieged southern city of El-Obeid. Paramilitary forces have been encircling the city for months, leading the council to demand an immediate halt to their assault.

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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.

Council members expressed fears that the situation could mirror the atrocities committed in El-Fasher in October 2025, an event described by the UN as bearing "hallmarks of genocide." This concern underscores the escalating humanitarian crisis and the potential for widespread violence against civilians.

UN Special Envoy Pekka Haavisto has engaged directly with Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the chief of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), urging him to de-escalate the situation in El-Obeid. Haavisto emphasized the need to avoid any actions that could further deteriorate the dire humanitarian conditions and endanger civilian lives. Aid workers are reportedly preparing for potential mass displacement from the city, bracing for the worst while hoping for a peaceful resolution.

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Council members called on the parties to the conflict to immediately halt the fighting.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has already resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 11 million people, creating the world's largest displacement and hunger crises. The UN is also engaging with influential countries to encourage dialogue and prevent further escalation.

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underscored the need to urgently de-escalate the situation in El-Obeid and avoid any actions that may further worsen the already dire humanitarian situation and put civilian lives further at risk.