An international coalition of 29 countries has raised the alarm at the United Nations Human Rights Council over the imminent threat of atrocities in the central Sudanese city of el-Obeid, warning that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) may escalate their assault, endangering hundreds of thousands of civilians.
The statement, delivered by Norway on behalf of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan — which includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sierra Leone — was also endorsed by 21 other nations. The coalition expressed grave concern over the risk of deliberate killings and large-scale atrocities, noting that approximately 500,000 civilians are in danger.
El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state and one of Sudan's largest cities, has seen some of the heaviest fighting in a conflict that has displaced nearly 14 million people, triggered ethnic violence, and spread famine and disease. The coalition urged all states to apply maximum pressure on both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to prevent further bloodshed and ensure unhindered humanitarian access.
“Ten consecutive days of drone strikes have killed at least 50 civilians across El Obeid and North Kordofan, and have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure,” the statement read. “Widespread credible reports of ethnically targeted violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, are deplorable.”
After more than three years of war, the SAF controls central and eastern regions, while the RSF holds Darfur in the west. The two sides are battling for control of the agriculturally crucial Kordofan region. In October, the RSF captured el-Fasher, a major Darfur city that had been under siege for 18 months.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk also issued a stark warning, saying an imminent offensive risked violations of international law. Residents of el-Obeid have endured siege-like conditions for over 18 months. “We have seen this playbook before,” Turk stated. “We cannot allow the repeat of the preventable atrocities we documented in al-Fasher and Zamzam IDP camp in North Darfur last year.”
“Let this be a stark warning to the world about an impending human rights disaster and worsening humanitarian situation. The states with influence have the duty to exercise it now to stop this madness in its tracks,” he added.
The United States and human rights groups have accused the RSF of committing genocide in West Darfur. The RSF denies responsibility for ethnically motivated killings, pledging to hold perpetrators accountable.
“The people of Sudan need peace – urgent measures must be taken to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities, including sexual violence, as well as further displacement and civilian suffering,” Turk urged.