The UN Security Council, the United States, and several European nations have warned of an “imminent risk of mass atrocities” in El Obeid, Sudan. This follows reports of paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) mobilizing near the city, which has been under Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) control since February 2025.
Why is El Obeid a strategic target?
El Obeid, which has a population of approximately 500,000, sits as a vital link between central Sudan, Khartoum, and the Darfur region. According to Hager Ali, a researcher at the GIGA Institute, the city has historically functioned as a major logistics hub for supply lines.
The city currently contains a large SAF military base and an airfield. If the RSF captures the area, Ali suggests they could benefit from the urban infrastructure and the lucrative gum arabic trade. Additionally, the group could potentially use the city as a strategic base for drone operations.
How does this threat compare to recent violence?
Human rights observers fear a repeat of the violence seen in El Fasher. A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned in early June 2026 that the “horrors of El Fasher” must not be repeated in El Obeid.
In El Fasher, Darfur, RSF troops besieged the city for 18 months. During a three-day period last October, combatants killed roughly 6,000 people, an event the UN and human rights observers described as having “characteristics of a genocide.”
Drone warfare has also emerged as a primary threat. The UN human rights agency reported that more than 1,000 civilians died in drone attacks between January and May 2026.
Who is involved in the conflict and its funding?
The war began in April 2023 following a dispute between rival generals Abdel Fattah Burhan (SAF) and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (RSF), also known as Hemedti. While Dagalo established a “government of peace and unity” in the areas under his control in 2025, both leaders claim jurisdiction over the entire country.
Philippe Dam, a director at Human Rights Watch in the EU, stated that the United Arab Emirates is responsible for fueling the conflict and RSF atrocities. He argued that those supporting the RSF should face sanctions. The UAE has denied any involvement or support for the paramilitary group.
In contrast, the SAF officially receives support from Egypt, Turkey, Russia, and Iran. While the United States and the EU have sanctioned leaders from both sides, the UN has not yet implemented such measures, according to Amgad Fareid Eltayeb of the Sudan Transitional Sovereign Council.
What is the scale of the humanitarian crisis?
The conflict has triggered the largest displacement crisis in the world. According to the UN, more than 14 million people have been forced to flee within Sudan and to neighboring countries.
Estimates of the death toll range from 40,000 to 250,000 people. Obtaining precise figures remains difficult because active fighting continues across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the war in Sudan?
The conflict was triggered in April 2023 by a dispute between two rival generals, Abdel Fattah Burhan of the SAF and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of the RSF.
Why is El Obeid considered a strategic location?
The city is a key access point for troop movements and supplies, and it houses a major military base and airfield.
What is the current humanitarian situation in Sudan?
More than 14 million people have been displaced, and death toll estimates range between 40,000 and 250,000 people.
How should the international community respond to prevent further mass atrocities in Sudan?