UN human rights chief fears escalating violence in Sudan
Human rights monitors have recorded at least 269 civilian deaths stemming from airstrikes, shelling, and summary executions. However, widespread disruptions to phone networks and internet services have severely limited information flows, meaning the actual number of casualties is presumed to be far higher, according to statements from the UN rights chief Volker Turk.
Reports indicate that communities are facing retaliatory killings, arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, sexual violence, and forced recruitment—including of minors. Many residents, Turk noted, have been taken into custody on allegations of “collaborating” with rival groups. Rising use of inflammatory and polarizing rhetoric has also stoked concerns that the situation could spiral further.
Reflecting on the escalating crisis, he said, “It is truly shocking to see history repeating itself in Kordofan so soon after the horrific events in El Fasher.” He added, “The international community stood united then, unequivocally condemning the barbarous violations and destruction. We must not allow Kordofan to become another El Fasher.”
Recent weeks have brought a series of deadly incidents across the three Kordofan states.
According to general accounts, an RSF drone attack on Nov. 3 struck a mourning tent in El Obeid, killing around 45 people, most of them women. Later in the month, on Nov. 29, an SAF airstrike in Kauda, South Kordofan, reportedly left at least 48 people dead—again, largely civilians.
Communities in Kadugli and Dilling remain trapped under blockades enforced by RSF and SPLM-N fighters, with famine already confirmed in Kadugli and feared to be imminent in Dilling. El Obeid is also partially encircled by RSF forces, and reports emphasize that “all parties are blocking humanitarian access.”
Turk stressed the urgency of the moment, stating, “We cannot remain silent in front of yet another man-made catastrophe,” urging an immediate stop to hostilities and insisting that life-saving assistance be allowed to reach populations at risk of starvation.
More than 45,000 people have been displaced within just one month, according to estimates.
Turk appealed for guaranteed safe routes for civilians, protection for humanitarian personnel, and the restoration of communication networks. He further called on influential states to stop the flow of weapons sustaining the conflict.
He concluded with a plea: “Have we not learned our lessons from the past? We cannot stand idly by and allow more Sudanese to become victims of horrific human rights violations. We must act, and this war must stop now.”
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