Countries warn of atrocity risk as fighting threatens Sudan’s el-Obeid
Norway told the UN Human Rights Council that civilians in el-Obeid face an imminent threat from a possible RSF assault.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
An international group of countries warned at the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces could soon intensify an attack on el-Obeid, putting hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk. The warning raises concern that the war’s next major flashpoint could bring atrocities similar to those reported elsewhere in Sudan.
Norway delivered the statement for the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan, which includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sierra Leone. The coalition said 21 other countries also joined the appeal, bringing the number of countries behind the warning to at least 29.
The statement said about 500,000 civilians in and around el-Obeid could face “large-scale atrocities” if the fighting worsens. It urged governments to put maximum pressure on both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces to stop abuses, protect civilians and allow aid workers to reach people in need.
El-Obeid, one of Sudan’s largest cities, is the capital of North Kordofan state. Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that North Kordofan has seen some of the heaviest recent fighting in a war that has displaced nearly 14 million people, driven ethnic violence, and worsened famine and disease.
The coalition said 10 straight days of drone strikes had killed at least 50 civilians across el-Obeid and North Kordofan. It also said civilian infrastructure had been badly damaged and cited credible reports of ethnically targeted violence, including sexual and gender-based violence.
The war in Sudan has run for more than three years. According to Al Jazeera and Reuters, the Sudanese army controls central and eastern areas, while the RSF has strengthened its grip on Darfur in the west. The two sides are now contesting the Kordofan region, a large area between those zones that is important for agriculture.
The RSF captured el-Fasher in Darfur in October after an 18-month siege, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The city, once home to about one million people, was already suffering famine before the RSF’s final offensive began on October 25.
UN rights chief issues warning
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk also warned on Thursday that a looming offensive around el-Obeid could lead to violations of international law. He said residents had already endured siege-like conditions for more than 18 months.
Turk said the world had seen a similar pattern before and should not allow a repeat of atrocities documented in al-Fasher and Zamzam camp for displaced people in North Darfur last year. He called on countries with influence over the warring sides to act immediately.
The United States and rights groups have accused the RSF of committing genocide in West Darfur during the conflict, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The RSF has denied responsibility for ethnically charged killings and has said those responsible for abuses will be held accountable.
Turk said urgent steps were needed to protect civilians, prevent further atrocities and sexual violence, and limit additional displacement and suffering.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.