Sudan’s people subject to ‘relentless’ drone strikes in El Obeid
Sudan’s People Subject to ‘Relentless’ Drone Strikes in El Obeid
Sudan s people subject to relentless - Sudan’s conflict risks escalating further as the strategically vital town of El Obeid, a key location in North Kordofan, endures a steady barrage of aerial assaults by advancing paramilitary groups. The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, warned on Friday that the violence has reached a critical point, endangering civilians and threatening to deepen the humanitarian crisis gripping the nation. His remarks, delivered at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, underscored the urgent need for global leaders to intervene before the situation spirals beyond control.
Escalating Violence and Civilian Casualties
According to the UN, the combat between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has intensified, with drone strikes becoming a frequent method of targeting infrastructure and populations. In a span of three weeks last month, the Office of the High Commissioner documented 15 such attacks on El Obeid and its surrounding areas, resulting in the deaths of at least 45 civilians. These strikes have targeted essential facilities, including markets, educational institutions, fuel depots, water supply systems, and civilian vehicles, creating a climate of fear and displacement.
"The persistent use of unmanned aerial vehicles has not only caused immediate harm but also disrupted daily life, leaving communities in a state of perpetual anxiety. People are selling their possessions to escape the city, and the cost of leaving has never been higher," stated Volker Türk during his address to the Human Rights Council. He emphasized that the relentless nature of these attacks has made it increasingly difficult for civilians to find safe passage, as vehicle bombings along escape routes have become a routine occurrence.
Patterns of Atrocity and Humanitarian Crisis
Turk highlighted that the war, which began in 2023, has not only led to widespread destruction but also to systematic abuses against civilians. His office reported recurring incidents of summary executions, kidnappings, torture, and sexual violence, all of which have affected individuals fleeing conflict zones. The Kordofan region, in particular, has become a focal point for these atrocities, with displaced populations facing additional risks as they navigate the treacherous paths to safety.
Earlier this year, the RSF and SAF had already inflicted severe harm in North Darfur, where a three-day assault on El Fasher in October claimed over 6,000 lives. The violence there was marked by war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the UN’s records. Similarly, in April, the RSF launched repeated bombardments on Zamzam camp, the largest gathering of internally displaced persons in the region, effectively seizing control of the area and further entrenching civilian suffering.
Call for Global Action and Institutional Reform
Turk’s warning comes amid growing concerns over the lack of international response to the escalating violence. He urged the Security Council to prioritize preventing mass atrocities, advocating for the reduction of the veto power held by permanent members. This proposal, originally championed by France and Mexico over a decade ago, aims to ensure that humanitarian crises are not sidelined by political considerations.
“The ‘red alert’ we are issuing is not a hypothetical scenario—it is a dire reality that demands immediate attention from world leaders,” Turk emphasized. His remarks were directed at the 47 Member States present at the Council, stressing the need for collective action to address the crisis. Turk also welcomed the ongoing efforts of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold perpetrators accountable, highlighting the importance of legal mechanisms in seeking justice for victims.
Humanitarian Impact and Displacement Crisis
El Obeid, home to over 500,000 residents, has become a symbol of the war’s devastating toll. The city now shelters more than 100,000 internally displaced individuals, many of whom fled from North Darfur’s El Fasher and other war-torn areas. Recent reports indicate that the RSF has tightened their grip on the city’s surrounding roads, except for the eastern direction, where escape remains a possibility for some.
Residents have described a noticeable increase in military activity around the city, with drone attacks becoming a constant threat. This has exacerbated the sense of insecurity, particularly among those attempting to leave for safer regions. According to Mona Rishmawi, a member of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, the fear of violence is pervasive, with many families unable to leave their homes without risking further harm.
"The situation in El Obeid is a microcosm of the broader crisis in Sudan. The RSF’s military buildup and the targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure have created an environment where survival is uncertain," Rishmawi noted during the Urgent Debate. She added that social media accounts linked to the RSF had spread footage of military preparations, showing a coordinated effort to overwhelm the city and its inhabitants.
Displacement Rates and Emergency Response
In a related update, the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported a significant surge in the number of displaced individuals across Kordofan. Over the past three months, the population of newly displaced people has increased by nearly two-thirds, with more than 100 incidents of forced migration recorded within nine months. On average, a major event occurs every two to three days, creating a continuous cycle of displacement and hardship.
“The speed at which families are being uprooted has outpaced the ability of humanitarian aid to reach them in time,” said Refaat Mohamed, the IOM’s Chief of Mission in Port Sudan. He highlighted that the ongoing violence has forced civilians into a state of perpetual mobility, with many now relying on makeshift shelters and limited resources to sustain themselves.
Strengthening Resilience and International Collaboration
Despite the grim outlook, Turk urged the international community to strengthen its response by supporting on-the-ground efforts and amplifying the voices of those affected. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between humanitarian agencies, local governments, and global institutions to mitigate the damage and provide relief. The recent surge in displacement underscores the need for increased funding and resources to address the evolving crisis.
The UN’s continued monitoring of the situation in El Obeid and surrounding areas has revealed a pattern of coordinated attacks aimed at destabilizing the region. As the conflict progresses, the focus remains on safeguarding civilian lives and ensuring that atrocities are not repeated. Turk’s calls for accountability and action reflect a broader strategy to hold all parties responsible for the war’s toll and to prevent further escalation.
Conclusion and Path Forward
With each passing day, the situation in Sudan grows more dire, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire of escalating violence. The drone strikes in El Obeid represent a turning point in the conflict, highlighting the increasing reliance on technology to target vulnerable populations. As the Human Rights Council continues its sessions, the hope is that its recommendations will translate into tangible actions to protect those in need and restore stability to the region.