El Obeid, Sudan faces heightened risk of mass violence and worsening hunger crisis

United Nations envoy Pekka Haavisto warned that the situation in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, has become “very concerning” as drone strikes increase and civilian casualties rise. He said the city could suffer a fate similar to El Fasher, where massive atrocities were recorded, and noted that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are massing troops for a potential ground offensive.

The UN highlighted that the growing use of drones – not manufactured in Sudan – is adding a dangerous new dimension to the war, threatening both civilians and humanitarian corridors. Haavisto called on all parties to protect civilians and allow unhindered aid delivery.

The World Food Programme warned that intensified fighting could trigger a new wave of displacement and deepen an existing hunger crisis. It is currently providing food and cash assistance to more than 100,000 vulnerable people in El Obeid and is preparing to support up to 250,000 if conditions deteriorate. WFP Sudan Country Director Abdallah Alwardat stressed that the food pipeline is under “tremendous strain” and that without swift action the agency could run out of supplies by September.

International bodies, including the African Union and the UN‑backed “Quad” of the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, are urged to press for a humanitarian truce and to ensure safe passage for civilians and aid workers.