U.N. envoy warns El Obeid at risk as drone strikes and troop movements threaten civilians

Pekka Haavisto, the U.N. Secretary‑General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, warned at a United Nations press briefing that hostilities around El Obeid in North Kordofan have intensified, with drone strikes and troop concentrations endangering civilians and disrupting humanitarian aid. "All the eyes of the world are now on El Obeid," Haavisto said, adding that the situation "would place thousands of people at risk."

Haavisto said he spoke by phone with General Hemeti, who "confirmed to me that his intention is not to harm the civilians, and his intention is to protect the humanitarian corridors to the city." Haavisto cautioned, however, that nothing in the conflict is certain and that he responds "immediately when something negative happens."

The envoy said the Security Council issued a statement over the weekend and urged close monitoring in the coming days. He also warned that the use of drones against civilians and civilian infrastructure has risen and noted that "the drones are not Sudan made; they come from the international market," calling for attention to how such technologies reach the conflict.

Haavisto described his mediation work as part of a quintet that includes the African Union, IGAD, the League of Arab States, the European Union and the United Nations. He recalled convening political parties and civil society in Berlin and Addis Ababa — the first such gatherings in three years — and said he plans further regional travel, including to Nairobi, Chad, South Sudan and Uganda, to sustain shuttle diplomacy.

On the prospect of a humanitarian truce, Haavisto said the quad — made up of the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt — could play a role in securing a pause that would improve civilian access to aid and enable political talks. He confirmed the United States is part of the quad and said U.S. special envoy Mr. Boullosa has been actively engaged.

During the question‑and‑answer session, Haavisto addressed multiple reporters’ concerns. Asked how he could rely on assurances from leaders accused of abuses, he said both parties are answering U.N. requests and that the U.N. is maintaining contact with both sides while liaising with regional partners. On the ground in El Obeid, Haavisto cited U.N. agency reports that describe troop gatherings, potential isolation of the city, and risks to thousands of civilians and refugees if a siege or concentrated military action occurs.

Haavisto underscored the fragmentation of armed actors in Sudan, saying the two generals are backed by wider networks of militias and political movements, which complicates negotiations and makes some commanders less inclined to accept a truce if they believe they can gain militarily. He also highlighted the "day after" questions — who will administer territories, how transitional arrangements would work, and the roles of rival actors — as obstacles that feed reluctance to commit to a humanitarian pause.

Haavisto described sources of hope he has encountered in his travels, pointing to civil society, women’s groups and communities rebuilding parts of Khartoum and Omdurman. He recounted visiting a school where girls asked for solar panels to help restart schooling amid damaged infrastructure. He said international coordination among mediators and non‑governmental organizations is essential to avoid "forum shopping" and to provide coherent support for any political process.

Regarding allegations of external support for parties in the conflict, Haavisto said his office relies on public‑domain information and assessment; he noted both parties appear to retain sources for military equipment, including drones. On the question of dividing Sudan, he reiterated that a division or durable situation of two parallel governments is unacceptable: "There should be one Sudan. Its borders should be respected. Its sovereignty should be respected," Haavisto said.

The envoy closed by urging continued international attention and saying he will continue shuttle diplomacy in the region to press for humanitarian access and political talks.