The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) expresses grave concern over the escalating military activities in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, Sudan, including significant military mobilisations and drone attacks targeting the city. This escalation comes at a time when Sudan is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, and further deterioration of the security situation risks deepening human suffering and undermining efforts towards peace and stability.
IGAD calls upon all parties to immediately cease hostilities and halt all military operations in and around El Obeid. The Secretariat cautions that continued escalation will further diminish prospects for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and aggravate the humanitarian and security challenges confronting the Sudanese people.
The Secretariat urges all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and to uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.
IGAD further calls upon the parties to engage in genuine and constructive dialogue without preconditions, reaffirming its longstanding position that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Sudan.
IGAD stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan and renews its appeal to all parties to exercise maximum restraint, demonstrate political responsibility, and place the interests, security, and future of the Sudanese people above all other considerations.
Download Press Release: IGAD Expresses Grave Concern Over Escalating Hostilities in El Obeid, Sudan
