UN Envoy Highlights Escalating Threats in El Obeid Amid Sudan Conflict
UN envoy warns of growing risks – The United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, raised urgent concerns on Wednesday about the intensifying violence in and around El Obeid, a city in North Kordofan state. He warned that the continued military actions could jeopardize civilian lives and exacerbate the severe humanitarian crisis already gripping Sudan. Haavisto’s remarks underscored the precarious situation as the conflict persists without clear resolution.
During a press briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York, the envoy highlighted the deteriorating conditions in El Obeid, noting that the city’s surroundings have seen heightened hostilities in recent days. This escalation includes the frequent use of drone strikes, which he described as a critical factor contributing to the worsening scenario. “The persistent conflict near El Obeid, including the use of drones, is already impacting the civilian population and disrupting essential aid efforts,” Haavisto stated, emphasizing the urgency of the moment.
“The ongoing hostilities and repeated drone attacks are creating immediate dangers for the people living in and around the city,” he added. “If the situation worsens, it could threaten the safety of thousands of civilians, further deepening the crisis.”
Haavisto drew attention to the parallels between the current crisis and past conflicts in Sudan, particularly the violence in Darfur and the surrounding areas of El Fasher. He noted that similar patterns of attacks on civilians in those regions had led to large-scale humanitarian disasters. “The current situation echoes earlier events in Darfur and El Fasher, where civilian casualties surged and aid operations faced significant challenges,” he remarked, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Earlier this week, Haavisto reported having a telephone conversation with General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The discussion centered on the developments in El Obeid, and Hemedti expressed his commitment to safeguarding civilians. “Hemedti assured me that his forces intend to avoid targeting non-combatants and prioritize the protection of humanitarian access routes,” Haavisto explained, adding that the envoy is monitoring the situation closely.
“He confirmed his intent to shield the civilian population and ensure the flow of aid into the city,” Haavisto said. “This is a promising sign, but we must remain attentive to the actions on the ground.”
Haavisto also pointed out that the conflict in Sudan is not only a domestic issue but has international implications. He highlighted that the drones involved in recent attacks are sourced from abroad, emphasizing the global interconnectedness of the war. “The use of foreign-made drones adds a new layer of complexity to the fighting, as they are now being deployed more frequently against civilian targets and infrastructure,” he noted, stressing the need for global cooperation to mitigate the damage.
Despite the escalating violence, the envoy acknowledged a positive development in the political arena. He mentioned that recent efforts by the Quintet—comprising the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in Africa (IGAD), the League of Arab States, the European Union (EU), and the UN—had successfully brought together key Sudanese stakeholders. “The Quintet has played a vital role in facilitating dialogue between political factions and civil society groups,” Haavisto said, citing the first meeting in Berlin and a subsequent gathering in Addis Ababa.
“This marks the first time in three years that political actors have united to address the conflict, which is a significant step toward a sustainable peace process,” he emphasized. “It’s a hopeful development, though much work remains.”
Haavisto reiterated the UN’s backing for the “Quad” initiative, which includes the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. These nations are working to establish a humanitarian truce, a measure he believes could alleviate the suffering of civilians. “The Quad’s efforts to secure a ceasefire are crucial for protecting civilians and enabling aid to reach those in need,” he said, expressing confidence in their potential impact.
While the envoy remains cautiously optimistic, he acknowledged the challenges in achieving lasting peace. Both the RSF and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) continue to view military strategies as the primary path to resolution. “It appears that both parties still believe military victories are attainable,” Haavisto noted. “However, regional governments are increasingly skeptical of this approach, urging a shift toward political negotiations.”
“The regional actors have clearly communicated their preference for a diplomatic solution, as military tactics alone may not be enough to end the cycle of violence,” he said, referencing recent visits to Gulf nations where this sentiment was reinforced.
Haavisto stressed that the resilience of ordinary Sudanese citizens remains a key factor in the hope for peace. Despite the hardships, he pointed to the adaptability of local communities in enduring the conflict. “The determination of civilians to survive and rebuild offers a foundation for cautious optimism,” he stated. “Their endurance is a reminder of the human cost and the need for swift action.”
In addition to engaging with regional actors, the envoy plans to continue his outreach efforts through upcoming visits to Nairobi and consultations with Chad, South Sudan, and Uganda. These countries are strategically positioned to influence the conflict and have been integral to previous peace initiatives. “Collaboration with these nations is essential for coordinating a unified response and addressing the multifaceted nature of the crisis,” Haavisto explained.
Haavisto concluded by reiterating the UN’s commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at reducing the humanitarian impact. “The conflict’s duration highlights the need for sustained international attention and local cooperation,” he said. “As long as military actions continue, the risk to civilians will remain high, but the recent political progress gives us reason to believe in a better outcome.”
Key Developments and Future Steps
The envoy’s latest warnings come as the conflict in Sudan enters its third year, with no end in sight. The situation in El Obeid serves as a microcosm of the broader crisis, where military operations have displaced thousands and disrupted access to basic necessities. Haavisto called for immediate measures to protect civilians, including stricter monitoring of drone activity and the enforcement of humanitarian corridors.
He also emphasized the importance of international actors in mediating the conflict. “The involvement of the Quad and the Quintet is not just symbolic; it’s a practical step toward stabilizing the region,” Haavisto said. “Their ability to convene diverse groups and maintain diplomatic pressure is a valuable asset in this effort.”
“If we can sustain this momentum, there’s a chance to create a framework for lasting peace,” he added, while acknowledging the road ahead remains challenging.
Haavisto’s remarks reflect a broader concern about the potential for the conflict to spread further. With the RSF and SAF locked in a stalemate, the risk of prolonged fighting is high. However, he remains hopeful that the recent political initiatives could pave the way for a more inclusive peace process. “The unity demonstrated by Sudanese political groups in recent meetings is a positive sign,” he said, “but it must translate into concrete actions to prevent more loss of life.”
As the humanitarian situation worsens, the UN envoy is urging all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians. “The conflict’s human toll is undeniable, and every step taken to reduce it is a victory,” he said. “The goal is not only to end the fighting but to ensure that the people of Sudan can rebuild their lives without further disruption.”
Global Attention and Local Impact
The international community has been watching Sudan’s conflict closely, with the UN playing a central role in coordinating relief efforts and diplomatic initiatives. Haavisto’s report highlights the growing stakes for the civilian population, who are bearing the brunt of the violence. “The people of El Obeid are not just victims of war; they are the heart of the crisis,” he said, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
Haavisto also addressed the challenges of sustaining aid deliveries in the face of ongoing attacks. “The increasing frequency of drone strikes has made it harder for humanitarian organizations to operate effectively,” he explained. “Without safe passage, the ability to provide food, water, and medical care to those in need is severely limited.”
“Every drone attack not only threatens lives but also undermines the credibility of peace efforts,” he added. “This is why we must hold all parties accountable for their actions.”
Looking ahead, Haavisto is confident that continued dialogue and international pressure could lead to meaningful progress. “The political will to negotiate is there, and that’s a crucial starting point,” he said. “Our focus is on creating a pathway where all sides can agree on a ceasefire and a framework for lasting peace.”
As the conflict drags on, the envoy’s messages serve as a reminder of the urgent need for action. “The situation in El Obeid is a stark example of the risks faced by civilians when the conflict escalates,” he concluded.
