State in Darfur, Sudan — site of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises
The UN warns of looming atrocities as El-Obeid faces siege-like conditions amid escalating clashes between Sudan’s army and the RSF. The WFP has scaled up food assistance plans but remains stretched, with hundreds of thousands more in need.
The U.N.-backed IPC has reported that 19.5 million Sudanese—over 40% of the population—are facing acute hunger in 2026, with 135,000 in catastrophic (Phase 5) conditions and 825,000 children expected to suffer severe acute malnutrition. Fighting, drone strikes and disrupted supply routes are blocking aid and will worsen conditions during the July planting season.
Amnesty International has documented crimes against humanity during the RSF siege of el-Fasher in North Darfur, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and forced displacement. The report relies on interviews with 247 victims and witnesses between 2024 and 2025 and calls for a nationwide ceasefire and an international civilian protection force.
The UN Human Rights Council is debating Sudan’s El-Obeid crisis after warnings of a fresh siege and potential atrocities. Volker Türk has described signs from El-Obeid as a clear red alert, urging world leaders to act amid 18 months of siege-like conditions and drone strikes affecting civilians and infrastructure. A draft resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access.
The fighting between the SAF and RSF has intensified around El-Obeid in North Kordofan, disrupting power and water supplies, threatening civilians, and triggering new displacement. UN and aid groups warn of escalating humanitarian needs as drone strikes and sieges press civilians and aid workers.
The UN Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has found that the RSF’s siege of El Fasher in Darfur, and related abuses, include killings, mass rape and deliberate starvation. The findings build on February’s report and warn that similar patterns are emerging around El Obeid as RSF forces mass around the city. Leaders say the international community must act to prevent further catastrophe.
Three years after the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding, rights groups say the pact has intensified border controls and serious human rights violations, amid calls to suspend the agreement and reassess safeguards. Reports detail intercepted departures, abuses, and restricted asylum access, with EU funding tied to Tunisian authorities.