A Sudanese state under siege and strain as conflict intensifies
The Sudanese conflict continues as RSF-aligned forces in Darfur and Kordofan are blamed for civilian harm, with new drone and village attacks worsening humanitarian conditions amid calls for ceasefire and restraint.
The RSF is expanding its presence around El-Obeid, raising alarm of potential offensives. The UN and other bodies warn of atrocity risks while drone strikes disrupt civilian life and humanitarian access.
Drones have intensified around El Obeid in North Kordofan, with attacks hitting fuel depots, water points and aid trucks. Civilians face acute shortages as electricity outages hinder water access. The international response calls for protection and humanitarian access while warning of potential mass displacement.
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.
Drone attacks on El-Obeid and surrounding areas have escalated, hitting civilian targets including wedding-related vehicles and water transport. The fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF continues to displace thousands, disrupt essential services, and raise fears of a humanitarian catastrophe as drones disrupt infrastructure and supply routes.
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.
The Sudan conflict between the army and the RSF has escalated, intensifying a humanitarian crisis. WFP reports food rations are stretched as aid access narrows; millions remain displaced, with fears of renewed attacks around key cities like El-Obeid and El Fasher. International bodies warn of mass atrocities and rising hunger.
The UN and world powers are pressing for governance reform as demand for critical minerals rises. Leaders warn that without local processing and stronger rule of law, mining profits will bypass local communities and fuel conflict. New commitments aim to channel wealth into public services and jobs amid a global scramble for cobalt, lithium, nickel and rare earths.
Across Sudan, fighting between the army and RSF continues to disrupt aid, with El-Obeid and Darfur seeing sieges and drone strikes. Civilians suffer from hunger, water scarcity, disease, and sexual violence, while the UN and human rights groups push for ceasefire and humanitarian access.