UNICEF warns half a million civilians face immediate danger in Sudanese city of El-Obeid

UNICEF has warned that around half a million civilians are at risk in the Sudanese city of El-Obeid, capital of the North Kordofan state, as intense fighting continues to force families and children to flee.

“Intensified fighting in Al Obeid, Sudan, is forcing children and families to be displaced and seek refuge,” UNICEF said on Facebook.

The UN agency warned that “500,000 civilians are at risk, with children in immediate and growing danger of being killed, injured, displaced, or exposed to other grave violations.”

“Further escalations must be prevented for children’s safety,” it said.

Displacement hub

El-Obeid’s population was once estimated at around 500,000 people, but unofficial estimates indicate the number has risen to nearly 3 million as the city has become a major hub for internally displaced people.

On Monday, the UN Human Rights Council ordered an urgent investigation into violations and abuses in El-Obeid, warning of an imminent risk of large-scale atrocities.