UN human rights chief warns red alert in Sudan’s El-Obeid

The United Nations human rights chief issued a stark warning on Friday, July 3, 2026, declaring that another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in the strategic Sudanese city of El-Obeid. In an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, High Commissioner Volker Türk called on world leaders to act immediately to prevent potential atrocity crimes as paramilitary forces mass around the city.

Türk described the situation as a "red alert," stating that signs from El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, are clear and unmistakable. He urged heads of state to prioritize the crisis, saying their phones should be running hot with ideas for prevention in the coming days and weeks. The urgent debate was convened following a request by Britain and a group of European countries, citing concerns over reports that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies are reinforcing positions around the city, home to approximately half a million people.

Civilians in and around El-Obeid have endured siege-like conditions for 18 months, battered by relentless drone strikes as the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF battle for control of surrounding areas. The UN human...