UN reports 40 killed in attack on funeral in Sudan’s El-Obeid as RSF paramilitaries prepare Kordofan offensive amid worsening humanitarian crisis.
PORT SUDAN: An attack on a funeral in the key city of El-Obeid in Sudan’s central Kordofan region killed 40 people, the United Nations confirmed on Wednesday.
The UN humanitarian office did not specify when the attack occurred or identify the perpetrators but warned the situation in Kordofan continues to deteriorate.
Local sources reported at least 40 civilians were killed and dozens injured in the assault on a funeral gathering in El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs again called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians.
This attack comes as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces appear poised to launch an offensive in Kordofan after capturing El-Fasher.
El-Fasher’s fall gave paramilitaries control over all five state capitals in Darfur, raising fears of Sudan’s effective partition along an east-west axis.
The RSF now dominates Darfur and parts of the south while the army holds northern, eastern and central regions along the Nile and Red Sea.
Meanwhile, Sudan’s army-backed defence minister said the military would continue fighting despite US ceasefire proposals.
Hassan Kabroun stated preparations for the Sudanese people’s battle are ongoing following a security council meeting.
“We thank the Trump administration for its efforts and proposals to achieve peace,” Kabroun said in a televised speech.
No details of the US truce proposal have been made public, though Washington confirmed active engagement in peace efforts.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the situation as very complicated but said the US seeks a peaceful end.
The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions since erupting between the military and RSF in 2023.
Recent fighting has spread to new areas, sparking fears of an even greater humanitarian catastrophe.
People fleeing El-Fasher have described horrific abuse including mass rape by RSF fighters.
Mother of four Amira described gang rapes occurring publicly with no one able to intervene.
Doctors Without Borders reported over 300 sexual violence survivors sought care after RSF assaults near Zamzam camp.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on warring parties to end this nightmare of violence now.
The International Criminal Court expressed profound alarm over reports from El-Fasher, warning they may constitute war crimes.
Both sides in the conflict have been accused of committing atrocities throughout the devastating war. – AFP
