Dozens of countries warn of atrocities amid escalation in Sudan’s el-Obeid

An international coalition of countries has warned at the United Nations Human Rights ⁠⁠Council that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) could imminently escalate an assault on the central city of el-Obeid. The statement, delivered by Norway, was presented on behalf of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan, comprising Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sierra Leone, which said they were also joined by 21 other ‌‌countries. Recommended Stories list of 3 items end of list “We ⁠⁠are gravely alarmed by the urgent risks of atrocities and deliberate killings in Sudan,” the statement warned on Thursday, adding that some 500,000 civilians are “at risk of falling victim to large-scale atrocities”. El-Obeid is one of Sudan’s largest cities and the capital of North Kordofan state, the scene of the heaviest fighting in recent months of a war that has displaced nearly 14 million people , triggered rounds of ethnic bloodshed and spread famine and disease. The coalition of countries urged all states to apply maximum pressure on the RSF and its foes, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), to prevent atrocities and protect civilians. It also reiterated the need for unhindered humanitarian access. “Ten consecutive days of drone strikes have killed at least 50 civilians across El Obeid and North Kordofan, and have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure,” the statement continued. …