UN and US warn of imminent mass atrocities as RSF siege intensifies in Sudan's El Obeid

The United Nations Security Council warned that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) pose a risk of mass atrocities in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, and called for an immediate halt to the assault. The US State Department echoed the concern, stating, “There are alarming indications that mass atrocities could be imminent.”

Analysts note that El Obeid also serves as a strategic military hub for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), hosting the Fifth Infantry Division and linking Khartoum with Kordofan and Darfur. They argue that international statements focus on the RSF threat while overlooking the SAF’s use of the city as a forward base.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 11 million people, creating one of the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises. UN officials urged all parties to protect civilians, allow unhindered humanitarian aid, and comply with international humanitarian law.