UN issues warning of mass atrocities in Sudan's Kordofan region as conflict escalates

The United Nations has issued a warning that Sudans Kordofan region may face severe human rights violations as intense clashes between rival armed groups continue, threatening a looming humanitarian disaster. Volker Turk, the UNs human rights chief, emphasized that the situation mirrors past violent episodes, particularly following the recent fall of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, where earlier warnings were largely ignored before widespread killings occurred.

It is alarming to witness history repeating itself in Kordofan so soon after the devastating events in el-Fasher, Turk stated, calling on the international community to take immediate action to prevent similar tragedies.

Since late October, when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control of Bara in North Kordofan, UN reports indicate at least 269 civilians have died due to airstrikes, artillery fire, and summary executions. Communication blackouts complicate the assessment, and the actual death toll is likely much higher. There are reports of retaliatory attacks, arbitrary detentions, sexual violence, and the forced recruitment of children.

Earlier this week, RSF claimed to have seized Babnusa in West Kordofan, with footage showing fighters at the citys military base, though the Sudanese army denied the city had fallen. The Sudan Doctors Network expressed concern over Babnusas situation and urged international pressure to ensure safe civilian evacuations. Hospitals in the region have been overwhelmed, including al-Nuhud Hospital, which is mostly non-functional. The World Health Organization reports that nearly 1,700 health workers and patients have been killed across Sudan since the outbreak of conflict.

Major towns like Kadugli and Dilling are under siege, with confirmed famine in Kadugli and worsening food insecurity in Dilling. Humanitarian aid is being blocked by all parties, and over 45,000 people have been displaced in Kordofan in recent weeks.

Turk stressed the urgent need for intervention, stating, We cannot remain silent in the face of yet another man-made crisis, and called for unrestricted access for life-saving assistance.

The current conflict began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, a powerful paramilitary group. Tens of thousands have died, and nearly 12 million have been displaced nationwide. After the fall of el-Fasher, attention has turned to Kordofan, which is strategically positioned between RSF-held Darfur in the west and government-controlled areas in the east and north. Control of key cities such as El Obeid would give RSF a direct route to the capital, Khartoum.

Prior to el-Fashers capture, the UN had issued urgent warnings about potential atrocities, which went largely unheeded. Following the citys fall, mass killings occurred, with satellite imagery confirming the scale, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to label it a crime scene. Amnesty International has called for war crimes investigations, while the European Union imposed sanctions on RSF deputy leader Abdelrahim Dagalo.

Turk urged influential nations to halt arms supplies and press for an immediate ceasefire, asking, Have we not learned from history? We cannot stand by and allow more Sudanese civilians to suffer horrific human rights violations.

Author: Sophia Brooks