UN Security Council Warns of Atrocity Risk for 500,000 Civilians in Sudan Amid Escalating Violence

The UN Security Council and a coalition of over 20 countries have issued a grave warning regarding the escalating violence in Sudan, particularly in North Kordofan state, where approximately 500,000 civilians, including 100,000 displaced persons, face an imminent risk of large-scale atrocities. The council urged the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to immediately cease their assault on El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, citing reports of RSF drone strikes, increased drone attacks, and ethnically targeted violence, including sexual and gender-based violence. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, threatens to deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis.