The UN Security Council has expressed alarm over reports of substantial military reinforcements by the Rapid Support Forces around El Obeid in Sudan, warning of the risk of a ground offensive on the city.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Council members voiced concern over the imminent risk of mass atrocities and demanded that the RSF immediately halt its assault on the city, capital of North Kordofan state. They also expressed deep concern over continued violence across Sudan, where the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF have been at war since mid-April 2023.

The statement pointed to reports of escalating fighting in the Kordofan states, warning that it risks worsening an already dire humanitarian situation and called on all parties to halt the fighting immediately. Members reiterated that all sides must protect civilians and comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and abide by commitments made under the Jeddah Declaration, signed by the warring parties in the Saudi capital in May 2023, which upholds obligations to facilitate humanitarian aid and protect civilians.

Council members also raised concern over reports of RSF drone strikes in El Obeid and a broader increase in drone attacks across Sudan by parties to the conflict. They called for all abuses and violations to be investigated and for those responsible to be held accountable. The Council recalled that all parties must allow and facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and allow safe passage for civilians, in line with international law.

The body urged all UN Member States to refrain from external interference that could fuel conflict and instability, to support efforts towards durable peace, to comply with international law and to implement relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2791 of 2025. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, and reiterated its rejection of any parallel governing authority in areas controlled by the RSF.

Source: UN News, 20 June 2026