Sudan’s pain deepens as RSF accused of drone attack that killed 40 at funeral in Kordofan
The UN condemns the attack as civilians bear the brunt of Sudan’s worsening conflict between the army and RSF.
At least 40 people have been killed in an attack on a funeral in el-Obeid, a key city in Sudan’s central Kordofan region contested by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed the incident on Wednesday but did not specify when it occurred or who was responsible.
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According to the Sudan Tribune and other local outlets, the RSF carried out drone strikes on a funeral service in El-Obeid on Monday.
"Local sources report that at least 40 civilians were killed and dozens injured yesterday in an attack on a funeral gathering in el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State," OCHA said.
"Once again, OCHA calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law."
Conditions worsening
The agency warned that conditions in the region were worsening as the RSF prepared to advance into Kordofan after capturing El-Fasher, the army’s last stronghold in western Darfur. Both Kordofan and Darfur have become epicentres of Sudan’s war.
Last week, the RSF seized El-Fasher following an 18-month siege. The paramilitary stormed a hospital, killing more than 450 people, according to the World Health Organisation, and went door-to-door killing civilians and committing sexual assaults.
The RSF has denied the accusations, but survivors, satellite imagery, and videos posted online depict widespread atrocities. Tens of thousands have been displaced.
The International Criminal Court warned Monday that the violence in El-Fasher “may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
With El-Fasher under its control, the RSF now dominates Darfur and parts of southern Sudan. The army continues to hold the northern, eastern, and central regions along the Nile and the Red Sea.
US ceasefire proposal
On Tuesday, Sudan’s army-backed defence minister said the military would continue fighting the RSF after the security and defence council met to discuss a US ceasefire proposal.
"We thank the Trump administration for its efforts and proposals to achieve peace," Hassan Kabroun said in a broadcast on state television, adding that "preparations for the Sudanese people's battle are ongoing."
Details of the US proposal have not been released.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Tuesday that Washington wanted "to see this conflict come to a peaceful end, just as we have with so many others, but the reality is it's a very complicated situation on the ground right now."
Leavitt added that the US is "actively engaged" in pursuing peace alongside Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The UAE has been accused by the UN of supplying weapons to the RSF, allegations it denies. Meanwhile, observers say the Sudanese army has received backing from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran.
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