UN warns of humanitarian catastrophe in Al-Obeid as RSF siege intensifies

The United Nations has issued a stark warning that a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in the city of Al-Obeid, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensify their siege. Speaking at an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council, the UN human rights chief Volker Turk urged world leaders to act immediately to prevent atrocities. The warning comes after at least 45 civilians were killed in the city, which has been under siege-like conditions for 18 months. Civilians are enduring relentless drone strikes, shelling, and the cutting of water and electricity supplies by the RSF.

The conflict in Sudan, now in its third year, has split the country into two main zones. The Sudanese Armed Forces control most of the east, north, and central regions, while the RSF holds the west, including Darfur, where mass killings, rape, and torture have been reported. Recent reports indicate the RSF has concentrated forces around Al-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, a strategically vital city for both sides. Analysts say the RSF is using traditional siege tactics to make life intolerable for residents, forcing many to flee to displacement camps.

One displaced person described the ordeal: "We were displaced from the valley to this location, and the journey to the city of Al-Obeid took over a month. There are no aid supplies. We are in need of water and food." The UN warning has been described as long overdue, with experts noting that the RSF was originally created by the former regime to outsource the worst violence, including the Darfur genocide of 2003. The international community is being urged to press the RSF's leadership to minimise atrocities, but questions remain over whether the group's command and control is strong enough to enforce such orders.

There are also concerns about external support for the RSF. Reports from French newspaper Le Monde indicate that the United Arab Emirates has been sending weaponry to the RSF, even while the UAE was itself under attack from Iran. Analysts say the UAE is deeply invested in the outcome in Sudan and has provided almost unending support to the paramilitary group. The RSF is now hoping to capture Al-Obeid to position itself for a renewed push towards the capital Khartoum once the rainy season ends in late September or October. If successful, this could give the RSF control over large parts of the country, including the west, much of Kordofan, and areas in the south-east, while the army holds the north and east.