Published on: 2026-06-25
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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June 25, 2026 Peace and Security
The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, expressed concern over the escalation of violence in the area of the city of El-Obeid. He warned that further military escalation could threaten the lives of thousands of civilians and exacerbate an already large-scale humanitarian crisis in the country.
Escalation in Al-Obeid
Speaking before journalists at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Haavisto stated that the situation in Al-Obeid – the capital of the state of North Kordofan – in recent days is causing increasing concern against the backdrop of hostilities and frequent drone strikes.
“We are concerned about the ongoing hostilities around the city, including frequent drone attacks,” he said. “They affect the civilian population and interfere with the delivery of humanitarian aid. Any further escalation would threaten the lives of thousands of people.”
We are concerned about the ongoing hostilities around the city, including frequent attacks using drones
The envoy drew parallels with previous crises in Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region and the El-Fasher area, where violence against civilians led to humanitarian disasters. “Unfortunately, the situation slightly resembles the previous development of events in Darfur and around El-Fasher and indicates a direct risk to the civilian population,” he noted.
Haavisto reported that on Friday he had a telephone conversation with General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemetti, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces, to discuss the situation in El-Obeid. According to the envoy, Dagalo assured him that the civilian population would not become a target of attacks. “He confirmed to me that he does not intend to harm peaceful residents and plans to protect humanitarian corridors. Our task now is to monitor the fulfillment of these promises as closely as possible,” Haavisto said.
Drone strikes create new threats
The envoy emphasized that the conflict throughout the territory of Sudan continues without signs of abating, and the increasingly widespread use of drones gives the war a new dangerous dimension. “The use of drones is intensifying, the number of attacks on the civilian population and civilian infrastructure is growing,” he noted.
Khaavisto also pointed out that the drones used are not produced in Sudan.
Political negotiations resumed for the first time in three years
Despite the ongoing violence, Haavisto called the resumption of political dialogue a positive signal. According to him, the so-called “Group of Five” international mediators – the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, the European Union, and the UN – were able to organize meetings of representatives of Sudanese political parties, civil society groups, and the public.
The first meeting took place earlier this year in Berlin, followed by negotiations in Addis Ababa. “This is the first time in three years that political parties and political forces have come together, trying to find common ground and advance the peace process in Sudan. That in itself is good news,” he said. The envoy reported that consultations would continue with Sudanese participants in the process and regional actors, including trips to Nairobi and contacts with the authorities of Chad, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Khaavisto also confirmed the UN’s support for the efforts of the “Quartet” – the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt – regarding the achievement of a humanitarian ceasefire. “We hope that the ‘Quartet’ will be able to advance the issue of a humanitarian ceasefire, which will significantly improve the situation of civilians on the ground,” he said.
There is no military decision
Answering the question about the prospects of ending the conflict, Khaavisto admitted that both sides still hope to achieve success by military means. “Apparently, the parties still believe that they can achieve something by military means. Unfortunately, the conflict continues as long as someone believes in the possibility of military victory,” he noted.
Apparently, both sides still believe that they can achieve something by military means
However, according to the envoy, more and more regional governments are rejecting the idea of a military solution. “This was a very clear signal”: no one believes that this conflict can be resolved by military means,” he said, recalling his recent trip to the Persian Gulf countries.
The UN representative noted the resilience of peaceful Sudanese, citing women who, having endured severe trials, continue to advocate for reconciliation, as well as residents of certain districts of the capital who are beginning to restore everyday life.
“Even after the conflict, people retain an amazing ability to invest efforts in restoring normal life and seeking sources of means for existence,” Khaavisto said. “It is precisely this that inspires some hope in this desperate situation.”
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