KHARTOUM – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that Sudan’s city of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, could suffer the same devastating fate as El Fasher if attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue.
In a statement released on Sunday, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Sudan, Mohamed Refaat, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation, warning that the international community must act immediately to prevent another catastrophe.
“We are all concerned that El Obeid could become the next El Fasher. If we do not act now, we will see another El Fasher,” Refaat said.
According to the IOM, more than 500,000 people in El Obeid urgently need humanitarian assistance. The agency also noted that the Shelter Cluster in Sudan remains severely underfunded, limiting its ability to provide emergency aid to displaced families.
For several weeks, RSF drone attacks have targeted key civilian infrastructure, including power stations and fuel facilities, leaving dozens of people dead or injured and disrupting essential services. The United Nations has warned that the city is at risk of a major humanitarian and human rights disaster if the violence continues.
The warning comes amid growing international concern that El Obeid could become the next major battleground in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, repeating the widespread destruction and civilian suffering witnessed in El Fasher.
Humanitarian agencies continue to call for an immediate end to attacks on civilians, unrestricted humanitarian access, and stronger international efforts to protect vulnerable communities across Sudan.
