UN warns of worsening Sudan humanitarian crisis amid intensified RSF drone strikes in El-Obeid and North Darfur
The United Nations has raised alarm over escalating Sudan drone attacks in North Kordofan and Darfur, warning that intensifying violence is worsening the country’s already severe humanitarian crisis.
In North Kordofan state, the city of El-Obeid has come under repeated assault from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023.
El-Obeid Under Siege as Drone Strikes Intensify
El-Obeid, a key transport and trade hub linking Khartoum to the Darfur region, remains under siege as the RSF attempts to consolidate control over the strategic corridor.
According to the UN, the city has faced near-daily drone strikes since the beginning of the month. Key infrastructure has been hit, including government buildings, the Legislative Council headquarters, a police facility, a telecommunications company and a hospital.
Last month, drone strikes also targeted the city’s power supply and residential neighborhoods, killing and injuring civilians, including children. One recent strike damaged the University of Kordofan campus, causing significant structural destruction.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the organization remains “very concerned” about the deteriorating situation in both North Kordofan and North Darfur.
Mass Displacement in North Darfur
The violence has forced thousands to flee.
In North Darfur, fighting near the border town of Tine has driven civilians into neighboring Chad and disrupted humanitarian access. Despite the insecurity, aid deliveries continue through the Adre border crossing, which remains vital for operations in Darfur.
The town of Tawila has become one of the largest displacement hubs in the region. More than 715,000 people have sought refuge there since RSF attacks on El-Fasher intensified last year. Before the influx, Tawila’s population was estimated at just 40,000.
Over half a million displaced people are now sheltering at four major sites outside the town.
Critical Shortages of Water and Sanitation
The humanitarian conditions are dire.
The UN’s children agency has reported that more than half of North Darfur’s population is not receiving the minimum daily water requirement for survival, set by the World Health Organization at 7.5 liters per person.
More than 40 percent of latrines are non-functional, over 80 percent of families lack soap, and only 8 percent of women and girls have adequate access to menstrual hygiene supplies.
Aid agencies are urgently calling for increased funding and safe, unhindered access to deliver assistance. The UN’s 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan is seeking $2.9 billion to support more than 20 million people nationwide.
As Sudan drone attacks intensify and displacement rises, the crisis in North Kordofan and Darfur shows no sign of easing, leaving millions at risk.
Source: Arab News