Senior UN officials, including the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, have warned of a potential imminent assault on the city by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters. El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, remains a key humanitarian and logistical hub in the region.
Recent incidents highlight the growing danger. Humanitarian partners reported that a drone strike on Tuesday hit an empty fuel tanker near a school, injuring several students. The strike occurred close to offices used by UN aid organisations, raising further concern about the safety of civilians and humanitarian personnel.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is supporting emergency response efforts, with medical teams already mobilised in affected areas.
Health agencies have pre-positioned essential supplies in El Obeid to prepare for further escalation. These include materials for trauma care, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and nutrition support.
Officials say the stockpiles are sufficient to assist more than 25 000 people, though the scale of need continues to grow rapidly.
Across North Kordofan, particularly in Sheikan locality, humanitarian conditions remain severe. Nearly 800 000 people require urgent assistance, underscoring the strain on already limited resources.
The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces, ongoing since April 2023, has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
The UN has again urged all parties to respect international law by protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Officials have stressed the need for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to ensure aid can reach those in need.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
