UN issues warning about upcoming atrocities in Sudan's Kordofan region

CAIRO The United Nations has issued a serious warning about a surge in violence in Sudan, with concerns of another wave of atrocities in the Kordofan region. Volker Trk, the UN Human Rights Chief, called on all nations with influence over the conflict parties to act immediately to stop the fighting and halt the flow of weapons fueling the violence.

Intense clashes between Sudans military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have now moved into the oil-rich Kordofan area following the RSFs capture of el-Fasher in Darfur. The UN reports that the ongoing conflict has claimed around 40,000 lives, though some human rights organizations suggest the true death toll is higher, and over 14 million people have been displaced, creating one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises.

The RSFs takeover of el-Fasher, previously held by the Sudanese military, involved mass executions, sexual violence, and assaults on civilians. Since October, more than 100,000 residents have fled the city, with thousands believed killed or trapped along the escape routes. The paramilitary group has continued to make significant advances since then.

Trk described the situation in Kordofan as shocking and warned against allowing the region to suffer the same fate as el-Fasher. He noted that at least 269 people were killed in Bara, North Kordofan, due to aerial attacks, artillery shelling, and executions, though the toll may be higher because of internet and telecommunications outages that complicate reporting. He urged restoration of communications to deliver critical humanitarian aid and share life-saving information with civilians.

The UN statement highlighted a drone strike by the RSF on November 3 in el-Obeid, North Kordofan, which killed 45 people, mostly women. Additionally, Sudanese military airstrikes on November 2 in Kauda, South Kordofan, reportedly killed at least 48 civilians. Fighting has been focused on Kordofan for months, with the RSF now centered around Babanusa in West Kordofan.

The RSF claimed it seized the Sudanese armys 22nd division headquarters in Babanusa and released footage of its fighters inside the facility, though this could not be independently verified. The Sudanese military has not issued a statement on the matter.

The Sudan Doctor's Network, a coalition of medical professionals, warned that the clashes endanger women and children sheltering in military facilities, urging safe relocation without arbitrary detention. The group also requested humanitarian access to assist those affected.

Trk further highlighted that Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan, already experiencing famine, are at heightened risk due to sieges by the RSF and affiliated groups. The UN migration agency reports that over 44,000 people have fled Kordofan amid the intensifying conflict.

Author: Ethan Caldwell