Sudan: ‘El Obeid must not become the next crime scene’ warn UN investigators
UN Experts Sound Alarm Over El Obeid as Genocide Indicators Mount in Sudan
Sudan - Independent human rights investigators from the United Nations have issued a critical assessment of the violence unfolding in Sudan, highlighting that atrocities perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians in El Fasher during October display characteristics consistent with genocide. The findings were published on Wednesday, adding weight to earlier conclusions about the trajectory of the conflict.
The mission's latest report expands upon preliminary observations made in February, when investigators first identified "indicators of a genocidal path" in their analysis. This updated documentation provides comprehensive evidence regarding sexual violence, forced disappearances, systematic detentions, and large-scale killings that have occurred throughout the region.
A Stark Warning for the International Community
Mohamed Chande Othman, who serves as the Chair of the UN Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, emphasized the significance of the documented patterns. He noted that encirclement strategies, assaults on civilian infrastructure, limitations placed on humanitarian access, and extensive abuses targeting ordinary citizens collectively form a compelling warning.
"The international community must heed these lessons and act to prevent further catastrophe," Chande Othman stated, calling for immediate and decisive intervention.
The armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces, representing the military government, and the RSF militia has now persisted for two years. During this period, the fighting has claimed the lives of at least 59,000 individuals while forcing more than 14 million others to flee their homes.
With 33.7 million people currently requiring humanitarian assistance and access to vulnerable populations severely constrained, the United Nations has designated Sudan as experiencing the most severe humanitarian emergency globally.
El Obeid Faces Growing Threat
Investigators appointed by the Human Rights Council have observed that the RSF is actively replicating the tactics employed in El Fasher within the vicinity of El Obeid. The militia's forces have established an encirclement around the city, launching attacks against vital infrastructure while limiting access to essential services for residents.
Following a resolution adopted by the UN's Human Rights Council on 6 July, the mission will conduct a thorough investigation into alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law and humanitarian law specifically within El Obeid.
El Obeid, serving as the capital of North Kordofan state, remains under the control of the SAF. However, Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief, described the city as enduring "siege-like conditions" for approximately 18 months during his statement on 3 July.
The situation in El Obeid threatens to worsen considerably, as attacks targeting critical infrastructure such as power stations have resulted in widespread blackouts, disrupted water supplies, and compromised hospital operations.
Escalating Violence and Calls for Action
During a three-week period in June alone, UN verification teams documented 15 drone strikes that killed at least 45 civilians in El Obeid and its surrounding areas.
In response to the deteriorating conditions, Mr. Türk advocated for multiple measures designed to prevent additional atrocities and avoid a repetition of the El Fasher tragedy. These recommendations included urgent action by the Security Council, a temporary pause in hostilities to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, and cooperation from the International Criminal Court.
When RSF forces captured El Fasher in October following an 18-month siege, they conducted door-to-door executions, implemented identity-based targeting, carried out aerial drone bombardments, and engaged in indiscriminate shootings. These actions resulted in the deaths of more than 6,000 people within just three days.
According to the Fact-Finding Mission's February report, before the RSF secured control of the city, it spent months systematically severing civilians' access to food, water, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance.
The mission observed that the UN had repeatedly cautioned about the risk of atrocities in El Fasher prior to the city's fall, yet these warnings went largely unheeded.
Now, investigators are raising concerns about El Obeid to promote prompt action aimed at preventing additional casualties. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, an expert mission member, remarked that the findings from El Fasher highlight the necessity for urgent protection measures before more lives are lost.
"The international community still has a window of opportunity to prevent further atrocity crimes," said Mona Rishmawi, another expert mission member. "El Obeid must not become the next crime scene."