International Community Warns of Mass Atrocity Risk as RSF Threatens El Obeid

El Obeid, June 22, 2026 - International organizations have warned that Sudan's North Kordofan capital, El Obeid, faces a growing risk of mass atrocities as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue to build up forces around the city, raising fears of a large-scale ground assault.

The United Nations Security Council expressed deep concern over reports of the military buildup and called on the RSF to halt its offensive against the city. Council members also voiced alarm over the escalating violence across Sudan and warned that intensified fighting in the Kordofan region could further worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis.

The Council urged all parties to cease hostilities immediately, protect civilians, comply with international humanitarian law, and uphold commitments made under the Jeddah Declaration. It also called for investigations into alleged violations committed during the conflict and stressed the need for accountability.

The Security Council expressed concern over the increasing use of drones in the conflict, including reported RSF drone strikes targeting El Obeid, and urged all parties to facilitate safe humanitarian access and allow civilians to leave conflict zones without obstruction.

It also called on foreign governments to refrain from actions that could fuel the conflict and reaffirmed its support for Sudan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity while rejecting the establishment of parallel governing authorities.

The European Union issued a separate warning, urging that El Obeid must not be allowed to suffer the same fate as El Fasher, where a major RSF offensive earlier this year triggered the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians. The bloc called for an immediate halt to attacks on the city, an end to violence against civilians and ethnic communities, and unrestricted humanitarian access.

Meanwhile, a coalition of 29 countries expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation, warning that approximately 500,000 civilians-including more than 100,000 internally displaced people-could face the risk of mass atrocities if fighting escalates.

The joint statement noted that at least 50 civilians had reportedly been killed during ten consecutive days of drone strikes in El Obeid and other parts of North Kordofan. It also highlighted reports of ethnically targeted violence, conflict-related sexual violence, and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.