UN warns of civilian risk as hostilities escalate in Sudan's El Obeid

Pekka Haavisto, the UN secretary-general's personal envoy for Sudan, warned on Thursday that escalating hostilities around El Obeid pose severe risks to thousands of civilians, citing frequent drone strikes and mounting threats to humanitarian operations.

UN warns of 'very concerning' escalation

Speaking at UN headquarters on Thursday, Haavisto said the situation in El Obeid has become "very concerning" in recent days. "We are alarmed by the ongoing hostilities around the city, including frequent drone strikes, and these are already affecting civilians and affecting humanitarian aid to the city," he told reporters during a briefing. The envoy warned that a further escalation could place thousands of people in immediate danger.

Parallels to Darfur and diplomatic pressure

Haavisto stated that the developments bear similarities to previous fighting in Darfur, particularly around El Fasher, where civilians faced severe threats amid intensified clashes. The envoy said he discussed the situation by phone on Friday with Rapid Support Forces leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. "I said that all the eyes of the world are now on El Obeid and following what's happening there," Haavisto said.

He added that Hemedti told him the paramilitary leader's intention is not to harm civilians and that he seeks to protect humanitarian corridors into the city. Haavisto said these commitments must now be closely monitored to ensure civilian protection and unimpeded aid access to the besieged population.

Civil war enters second year

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the army and the RSF over plans to integrate the paramilitary force into the military. The war has triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, killing tens of thousands and displacing nearly 13 million people.