UN envoy warns of rising risk to civilians in Sudan’s El Obeid
June 25, 2026 (UNITED NATIONS) – The United Nations personal envoy for Sudan voiced alarm on Wednesday over escalating violence in and around the city of El Obeid, warning that further military escalation could put thousands of civilians at risk and deepen the country’s devastating humanitarian crisis.
Speaking to reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, Pekka Haavisto said the situation in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, had become increasingly concerning amid ongoing hostilities and frequent drone strikes.
Haavisto drew parallels with previous crises in Sudan, particularly in Darfur and around El Fasher, where violence against civilians triggered large-scale humanitarian disasters.
The envoy revealed that he had spoken by telephone on Friday with General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who assured him that civilians would not be targeted and that humanitarian corridors would be protected.
The conflict across Sudan continues unabated, and Haavisto warned that the growing use of foreign-produced drones targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure was adding a dangerous new dimension to the war.
Despite the continuing violence, Haavisto highlighted a positive development as a diplomatic group known as the Quintet successfully convened meetings in Berlin and Addis Ababa, bringing Sudanese political parties and civil society organizations together for the first time in three years.
The envoy emphasized that while the country’s humanitarian crisis is “catastrophic” and a truce is desperately needed, his specific task remains exploring the political avenues and dialogue necessary to end the hostilities sustainably.
He stated that he plans to continue engaging regional actors and reiterated the UN’s support for separate efforts by the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt to secure a humanitarian truce.
While acknowledging that both warring sides still appear to believe military gains are possible, Haavisto noted that regional governments increasingly reject a military solution, and the resilience of ordinary Sudanese citizens provides grounds for cautious optimism.
He stressed that his mandate as the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General is primarily focused on the political process, engaging with all stakeholders to find a common ground for peace and supporting a coordinated international mediation effort.
“While the humanitarian crisis is catastrophic and a truce is desperately needed, my specific task remains exploring the political avenues and dialogue necessary to end the hostilities sustainably.”
Coordination between Quad, Quintet
Haavisto clarified that the Quintet, comprising the United Nations, African Union, IGAD, Arab League, and European Union, remains strictly focused on revitalizing the political track and establishing a long-term transition framework with Sudanese civilian leaders.
He emphasized that these political efforts require a cessation of hostilities to succeed, noting that the Quintet works in tandem with the Quad. While the Quintet drives the political dialogue, the envoy explained that the diplomatic track relies on the Quad to utilize its distinct leverage to secure a humanitarian truce on the ground.