UN Human Rights Chief Sounds ‘Red Alert’ Over Violence in Sudan’s el-Obeid City
The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, has sounded a ‘red alert’ over possible atrocity crimes in and near the strategic city of el-Obeid in central Sudan. This warning comes as the UN Human Rights Council holds an urgent debate on the situation in el-Obeid, amidst concerns expressed by diplomats, advocacy groups, and others that another wave of atrocities may loom against civilians in Sudan’s ongoing war.
Speaking at the UN office in Geneva, Türk emphasized that signs from el-Obeid are ‘clear and unmistakable: Another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan.’ He called on world leaders to take immediate action to prevent atrocity crimes in el-Obeid and other areas in Kordofan.
El-Obeid, home to over half a million people in North Kordofan, has been under siege-like conditions for 18 months, battered by ‘relentless drone strikes’ as Sudan’s armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces battle for control of areas near the city. The RSF has launched multiple offensives in attempts to reestablish the siege from several directions.
The conflict in Sudan, now in its fourth year, has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced some 13 million, and pushed many parts of Sudan into famine. More than 30 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. The UN and some countries have expressed concerns over reports of reinforcements by the RSF around el-Obeid city.
Recent attacks on infrastructure have left civilians with scarce food, fuel, water, health services, and transportation. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has emphasized that this is not a drill, but a red alert that needs to land on the desks of heads of state and government around the world.
The UN Human Rights Council is considering a draft resolution that condemns the escalating violence by the RSF and its allies in and around el-Obeid, encourages greater financial and logistical support for countries hosting refugees from Sudan, and condemns ‘all forms of external interference’ in the war, among other things.
The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 out of long-simmering tensions between the army and RSF forces. The conflict has had devastating consequences for the people of Sudan, with widespread human rights abuses and atrocities committed by all parties involved.
In February 2025, the military broke a siege on el-Obeid that had lasted more than a year. However, the RSF has since launched multiple offensives in attempts to reestablish the siege from several directions.
The situation in el-Obeid is dire, with civilians facing extreme hardship and risk of further violence. The UN human rights chief has sounded a red alert, calling on world leaders to take immediate action to prevent atrocity crimes in el-Obeid and other areas in Kordofan.
