Sudan Peace Gov't calls for humanitarian corridors in El Obeid, urges international pressure for ceasefire

Sudan's Peace Government has called for the immediate establishment of safe humanitarian corridors in the conflict-hit city of El Obeid, urging the international community to intensify efforts to protect civilians and secure an unconditional humanitarian ceasefire amid escalating violence.

In a statement signed by Khalid Danaa, Sudan's Minister of Information and Official Spokesperson of the Peace Government, the Council of Ministers said it is closely monitoring ongoing discussions with international partners on civilian protection, humanitarian assistance and the creation of safe evacuation routes for residents trapped in the city.

The appeal comes as international concern grows over the deteriorating security situation in El Obeid and fears of a large-scale offensive against the strategic North Kordofan city.

The government welcomed international engagement and said it remains ready to work with partners including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the African Union and the United Nations to implement urgent measures aimed at protecting civilians.

"The Peace Government reiterates its call for the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors that would enable civilians wishing to leave El Obeid to reach secure areas where they can enjoy safety, legal protection, and humanitarian assistance," the statement said.

It also pledged to facilitate the "unhindered and non-discriminatory delivery of humanitarian aid" in coordination with international and regional humanitarian organisations.

The Council of Ministers accused what it described as the "army militia and its terrorist brigades" of preventing civilians from leaving El Obeid, forcibly recruiting residents, using civilians as human shields and carrying out shelling of residential neighbourhoods using bombs and drones.

According to the statement, field reports indicate that civilians continue to face severe movement restrictions and are being compelled to participate in military operations, actions it said amount to "grave violations of international humanitarian law."

The government maintained that the fastest way to alleviate civilian suffering is "the immediate implementation of an unconditional humanitarian ceasefire," arguing that such a truce would allow humanitarian aid to reach affected communities while enabling the evacuation of the wounded and sick.

It further appealed to the international community to increase pressure on what it referred to as "the Muslim Brotherhood and its army" to accept a humanitarian ceasefire, accusing the group of repeatedly rejecting international peace initiatives aimed at ending hostilities and protecting civilians.

The appeal comes as the United Nations and several Western governments have warned of an imminent risk of mass atrocities in El Obeid, where fighting between Sudanese forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified.

International bodies have also called for safe civilian passage, unhindered humanitarian access and restraint by all parties to prevent a repeat of previous large-scale attacks elsewhere in Sudan.