UN and EU Warn of Mass Atrocities in El Obeid After El Fasher Massacre

The United Nations Security Council has expressed concern over reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are reinforcing their presence around El Obeid, Sudan, several months after the El Fasher massacre.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the council warned of an imminent risk of mass atrocities and called on the RSF to stop its assault on El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, without delay.

The council also voiced deep concern about ongoing violence throughout Sudan, where the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF have been engaged in conflict since mid‑April 2023.

It urged all parties to end hostilities, to protect civilians, and to adhere to international humanitarian law and the commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration.

The council reminded the conflicting parties of the May 2023 agreement reached in Saudi Arabia, which obligates them to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance and to protect civilians, among other duties.

Members cited reports of RSF drone strikes in El Obeid and a rise in drone attacks across Sudan, calling for investigations into all abuses and violations and for those responsible to be held accountable.

The UN urged member states to avoid external interference that could worsen conflict and instability, and to implement relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2791 (2025).

On the same day, the European Union highlighted the latest developments in Sudan, warning that “El Obeid must not become another El Fasher.”

The EU called on the RSF to cease its attacks in El Obeid, stating that killings of civilians, violence against ethnic groups, and attacks on infrastructure must end.

The statement added that civilians must be allowed to leave freely and safely, and that humanitarian actors must have rapid, safe, and unhindered access.