Speaking at an urgent UN Human Rights Council debate on 3 July, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said that “the signs from al-Obeid are clear and unmistakable: another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan, this time in the capital of the strategic state of North Kordofan.
The UN Human Rights Office documented at least 45 civilians killed and 41 injured in 15 drone strikes between 6 and 28 June, according to Reuters. Roughly 500,000 civilians remain at risk in the city. Reported June strikes hit a power substation, a fuel station and water stations, according to UN-linked humanitarian reporting and Sudan Tribune. The International Rescue Committee said the pattern appeared to be preparing the way for a ground assault.
UN High Commissioner Volker Türk addresses the international community on human rights crises. Source: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images
The strain has also drawn scrutiny of the Sudanese Armed Forces, which holds El Obeid. UN humanitarian reporting from 23 June said civilians in El Obeid faced fuel shortages and limited access to bread, safe drinking water and other basic supplies.
On 20 June, the UN Security Council demanded that the RSF halt its assault on El Obeid. The buildup has continued since, underscoring a recurring problem in Sudan’s war: international warnings have so far not been matched by measures capable of changing the conduct of either force.
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