UN envoy urges RSF to avoid attack on Obayed as humanitarian teams prepare aid

The United Nations said its personal envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, spoke directly with Rapid Support Forces commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemeti) and urged urgent de‑escalation and a shift toward dialogue to avoid further civilian harm.

Spokesperson Steph reported that Haavisto "underscored the need to urgently de‑escalate the situation in Obayed and avoid any actions that may further worsen the already dire humanitarian situation and put civilian lives further at risk." The call took place earlier the same day, the spokesperson said.

The briefing noted that humanitarian partners, including the World Food Programme, are focusing on moving food and other supplies into the area despite access constraints, and that the UN does not have a permanent presence in Obayed. The spokesperson said partners are preparing for possible movements of large numbers of people from the area, which hosts more than 100,000 displaced people.

Reporters asked whether appeals by outside figures — referenced in the briefing as Mr. Arnault — had been effective with RSF leadership; the spokesperson said appeals have been made and that "there's still time for this operation not to take place" while humanitarian teams prepare for the worst.

The UN reiterated calls for restraint and for parties with influence to press for dialogue, citing recent quintet‑facilitated engagements in Addis Ababa involving Sudanese civilian stakeholders. The briefing did not announce new security guarantees or a change in UN troop deployments.