Sudan: Window is closing to prevent wider escalation in El Obeid
Sudan: Urgent Calls to Avert Further Conflict in El Obeid
Sudan - A United Nations representative cautioned that the chance to prevent a significant outbreak of violence in El Obeid is shrinking quickly as hostilities grow more intense in and around the capital of North Kordofan. With the situation accelerating, the UN is urging immediate action to avoid a broader war that could threaten countless civilians.
Security Council Briefing on Escalating Tensions
Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacekeeping Affairs, addressed the Security Council on Friday, outlining the latest developments in the protracted conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Now in its fourth year, the war has seen renewed violence, with both factions intensifying their operations in the region.
Drones have become a central tool in the conflict, with attacks in El Obeid surging over the past fortnight. The RSF, in particular, has bolstered its military presence in the city and surrounding areas, raising concerns about the potential for large-scale confrontations. DiCarlo emphasized that the current trajectory threatens to destabilize the region further.
Human Rights Crisis and Civilian Vulnerability
DiCarlo referenced a dire warning from the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, who highlighted the risk of an “impending human rights disaster” if the conflict escalates. She stressed that the current situation could lead to widespread harm to civilians, with hundreds of thousands facing immediate danger of injury or displacement. A full-scale battle, she said, would likely push more people into already struggling areas, worsening humanitarian conditions.
“Once again, we call for restraint from all parties and urge them to take all necessary measures to respect and protect civilians,” she said.
The UN official noted that the window to avert a wider escalation in El Obeid is rapidly closing, underscoring the urgency of diplomatic interventions. Beyond the city, the conflict continues to spread across multiple fronts, with the Kordofan region remaining a focal point of the war.
Strategic Attacks and Disruption of Aid
In the broader Kordofan area, fighting has intensified around key locations such as Dilling, Kadugli, and Babanusa. Recent drone strikes on bridges and transportation routes in Darfur and Kordofan have severed critical humanitarian corridors, isolating communities and hindering relief efforts. The use of drones has made the conflict more unpredictable, spreading its effects beyond traditional battle zones and increasing civilian casualties.
“The growing use of drones is making the conflict more unpredictable, more geographically dispersed and more lethal for civilians,” Ms. DiCarlo said.
Despite the rainy season typically easing hostilities, the relentless drone activity has left civilians with little hope of respite. DiCarlo pointed out that the sustained pace of fighting depends on the advanced weaponry supplied by external actors, urging these nations to prioritize peace over prolonging the war.
Regional Strains and External Influence
The conflict is unfolding against a backdrop of rising tensions between Sudan and its neighbors. DiCarlo highlighted that relations with Ethiopia deteriorated in May after accusations of meddling in each other’s internal security matters. Similarly, ties with Chad have remained strained following clashes earlier this year and ongoing border instability.
“These tensions risk becoming drivers of further escalation, drawing neighbouring States more directly into the conflict,” she said.
Such regional discord could complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire, as neighboring countries may be drawn into the fray. The UN continues to push for diplomatic solutions, including an initiative led by the “Quad” — the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt — to broker a humanitarian truce. DiCarlo urged the warring parties to negotiate in good faith, emphasizing that a permanent ceasefire must be paired with long-term political stability.
Quintet's Role in Peace Efforts
The Quintet, a coalition of the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the East African bloc IGAD, the League of Arab States, and the UN, is central to the peace process. Recent consultations held in Addis Ababa brought together a diverse group of Sudanese civilians, who expressed varied opinions on the future political process but united in demanding a Sudanese-led dialogue facilitated by the Quintet.
UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, has been actively engaging with the warring factions and other stakeholders to encourage restraint and curb escalation. His efforts align with the UN’s broader strategy to mediate peace and stabilize the region.
Children at the Forefront of the Crisis
Hannan Sulieman, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), also addressed the Security Council. She described Sudan as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and highlighted that children are bearing the brunt of the violence. In El Obeid, the risk for civilians, especially children, has escalated, with 500,000 people potentially affected by the conflict.
“Children are at immediate and growing danger of being killed, injured, displaced, or exposed to other grave violations,” she warned.
Sulieman drew attention to past instances of similar crises, warning that the current pattern could repeat if no decisive steps are taken. Her remarks underscore the urgent need for protection measures to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly in areas where violence is intensifying.
Path Forward and Collective Responsibility
DiCarlo reiterated that achieving a lasting peace requires strong collaboration among the Quintet and a commitment to inclusive dialogue. She stressed that external actors must use their influence to support a resolution rather than enabling the continuation of hostilities. The UN remains focused on reducing violence, with initiatives targeting both military and political dimensions of the conflict.
As the war persists, the stakes for civilians grow higher. The combination of drone warfare, strategic territorial gains, and regional tensions creates a volatile environment. With each passing day, the urgency to prevent further devastation increases, and the international community must act decisively to avert catastrophe.
Global Implications and the Need for Unity
The UN’s efforts to mediate peace in Sudan reflect the global concern over the crisis. The conflict has not only displaced millions but also strained international resources and diplomatic partnerships. DiCarlo’s call for restraint and collaboration signals a critical moment where the outcome hinges on the willingness of all parties to prioritize human lives over political rivalries.
As the situation in El Obeid worsens, the broader implications for Sudan’s stability and regional security become more apparent. The continued use of drones and the involvement of external actors underscore the complexity of the conflict, which demands a multifaceted approach. The UN and its partners remain determined to find a sustainable solution, even as the risks of further escalation loom large.