Sudan: Sudan's People Subject to 'Relentless' Drone Strikes in El Obeid

Lead

The UN's human rights chief, Volker Türk, has warned that the war in Sudan is threatening to spiral further out of control as the strategically important town of El Obeid faces "relentless" drone attacks, according to reports. Speaking at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, Türk called for urgent action from world leaders to stop heavy fighting that has already triggered a massive humanitarian emergency. His remarks, carried by AllAfrica, highlight the growing toll on civilians in Sudan and beyond.

Coverage Comparison

Two outlets — AllAfrica and RFI (English) — have reported on Türk's statements, though with distinct emphases. AllAfrica focuses on the crisis in Sudan, detailing the drone strikes on El Obeid and the broader risk of the conflict spiraling out of control. RFI's coverage, while also addressing Sudan, centers on Türk's broader remarks to RFI, including concerns about repression in Iran and the impact of Middle East conflicts on human rights.

Both outlets quote Türk directly, but their framing differs: AllAfrica's report is urgent, describing the situation as threatening "further chaos," while RFI's is critical and concerned about global human rights. The discrepancy in focus reflects the outlets' editorial angles—AllAfrica on African affairs, RFI on international and Francophone world issues.

Key Claims

At least 45 civilians were killed in drone strikes in El Obeid and surrounding areas over a three-week period last month, according to Türk's office, as reported by AllAfrica. The attacks, launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, "have repeatedly struck markets, schools, fuel stations, water infrastructure and civilian vehicles," Türk said. He described the terror in the besieged city: "Some people are selling their belongings to finance their escape... For many, the exorbitant cost of transport and constant attacks on vehicles along exit routes, make leaving impossible."

The UN official also reported patterns of summary executions, abductions, torture, and sexual violence along routes taken by displaced people. More than 13 million people have been displaced internally, AllAfrica reports. The International Criminal Court is seeking justice for war victims.

Türk also warned that drone warfare and sexual violence are being used as weapons of war, a claim carried by both outlets. RFI reports Türk said that international law still matters, even when powerful states break it.

Perspectives

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Volker Türk calls for international action, stressing that civilians are paying the highest price. He cites drone strikes on El Obeid, and other human rights abuses in Sudan and Iran, warning that the world is not safer.

Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces: While not quoted directly, these armed groups are identified by the UN as being behind the strikes, but have not been heard.

Iranian authorities: Türk reports increased repression in Iran, including arrests and executions, but no official Iranian response was mentioned in the materials provided.

Corrections

This article is based on reporting by AllAfrica and RFI. No errors have been reported as of writing.