The United Nations' human rights chief, Volker Türk, has issued a stark warning, declaring a 'red alert' for the strategic Sudanese city of El Obeid in North Kordofan. The situation on the ground is precarious: near-siege conditions are tightening, relentless drone attacks persist, and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) along with their allies are massing around the city. This urgent appeal comes as concerns grow that the international community is failing to respond adequately to a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The parallels between El Obeid's current situation and past atrocities in Sudan are chilling. Two decades ago, following the genocide in Darfur, the world pledged 'never again'. Yet UN investigators reported 'the hallmarks of genocide' last year in El Fasher, North Darfur, where tens of thousands were killed in a massacre after a prolonged starvation siege. Civilians attempting to flee faced rape and murder, as did those who remained. Prior to El Fasher, forces allied with the RSF were implicated in a killing spree in Geneina, highlighting a pattern of extreme violence.
Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict for over three years, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths and displacing 15 million people from their homes. The conflict is now spilling over into neighbouring states, exacerbating regional instability. Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), stand accused of committing war crimes. Their relentless ambition and apparent unwillingness to compromise are seen as key drivers of the conflict, which outside actors are reportedly fuelling, drawn by resources such as gold and gum arabic, and potential geopolitical advantages.
While numerous states are pursuing their own interests amid Sudanese suffering, the role of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come under particular scrutiny. Despite denying support for the RSF, human rights organisations and diplomats suggest it is a crucial backer. The US and UK have expressed concern for Sudan, yet critics argue they have largely overlooked the UAE's alleged involvement. Last month, a human rights investigator informed British MPs that the UK possessed evidence linking Ethiopia and the Emirates to the RSF in 2024, but officials reportedly stated they would not publicly disclose this due to 'significant' UAE pressure. There have also been claims of British military equipment being used by the RSF.
This alleged sensitivity of the UAE to reputational damage – particularly given its heavy investment in establishing itself as a global hub for tourism and influence – suggests that international pressure could be effective. Campaigns targeting corporations and public figures have been proposed as a means to encourage the UAE to reconsider its alleged support for the RSF. This situation highlights a broader issue: how far will states go to protect their interests, even when it comes at the cost of human lives?