PRESS RELEASE
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Expresses Deep Concern over the Imminent Risk of Mass Atrocities in El-Obeid, Sudan
Banjul, The Gambia, 22 June 2026
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) is following with deep concern the evolving security and humanitarian situation in the city of El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State in Sudan, in light of reports indicating an imminent risk of escalating hostilities and mass atrocities against the civilian population.
The Commission takes note of the recent warnings issued by the United Nations, including by the United Nations Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, regarding the risk of an imminent attack on El-Obeid and the potentially devastating consequences that such an offensive could have on hundreds of thousands of civilians, including internally displaced persons already affected by the ongoing conflict.
The Commission is particularly alarmed by reports indicating an intensification of attacks against essential civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, sites hosting displaced persons, as well as electricity and water infrastructure indispensable to the survival of the civilian population. It recalls that attacks directed against civilian objects are prohibited under international humanitarian law and may entail the responsibility of their perpetrators.
The Commission emphasizes that the protection of civilians must remain an absolute priority for all parties to the conflict. It recalls that all parties are obliged to fully comply with their obligations under international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and relevant regional instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Commission further expresses its grave concern over persistent allegations of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed in different parts of Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict, including killings of civilians, sexual and gender-based violence, forced displacement, destruction of civilian property, and attacks based on actual or perceived ethnic affiliation.
The Commission, which is following developments in Kordofan with profound concern, fears that the atrocities and violence that occurred in El Fasher in October 2025, including attacks against civilians and serious human rights violations, may be repeated in El-Obeid.
The Commission calls upon all parties to the conflict to:
• Immediately refrain from any attacks against civilians and civilian objects;
• Respect the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under international humanitarian law;
• Ensure safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations;
• Take all necessary measures to prevent further violations of human rights and international humanitarian law;
• Fully cooperate with regional and international mechanisms responsible for the protection of human rights and the promotion of accountability.
The Commission reiterates its deep concern over the continued deterioration of the situation in Sudan and recalls that impunity for serious human rights violations cannot be tolerated. It underscores the importance of ensuring that those responsible for serious violations are held accountable in accordance with applicable regional and international standards.
The Commission will continue to closely monitor developments through its relevant mechanisms, including the Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, and reaffirms its solidarity with the Sudanese people in their pursuit of peace, justice, and respect for fundamental rights.
Done at Banjul, The Gambia, on 22 June 2026.
