The United Nations has issued a stark warning that time is running out to avert a major escalation of violence in El-Obeid, Sudan, as clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces intensify in the strategic city.
UN Official's Urgent Appeal
Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, told the Security Council on Friday that the situation in El-Obeid is deteriorating rapidly. According to DiCarlo, the city, a key humanitarian hub, has seen a significant increase in fighting over the past week, with both sides using heavy weapons in residential areas.
“The people of El-Obeid are caught in the crossfire, and the humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly dire,” DiCarlo said. She noted that at least 120 civilians have been killed and over 400 wounded in the past month alone.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The UN warned that if the violence continues, it could trigger a massive displacement crisis, with thousands of residents fleeing to already overcrowded camps in North Darfur. The World Food Programme has reported that food supplies in El-Obeid are running low, and access for aid convoys has been severely restricted by the ongoing clashes.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 2.5 million people in North Kordofan state, where El-Obeid is located, are in need of urgent assistance.
International Response
DiCarlo called on both parties to immediately cease hostilities and allow humanitarian access. She also urged the international community to increase pressure on the warring factions to return to negotiations. The UN Security Council is expected to discuss a possible resolution in the coming days, but divisions among member states have hampered previous efforts.
