Sudan Calls for Safe Evacuation Routes in El Obeid as Civilian Crisis Deepens

Sudan's Peace Government has renewed urgent calls for the creation of safe humanitarian corridors in the city of El Obeid, as the country's devastating armed conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians. The Council of Ministers issued a statement confirming it is actively engaged in discussions with international partners on how best to protect residents and facilitate their movement to safer areas.

The government said it welcomed international involvement and expressed its willingness to work alongside key global actors — including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the African Union — to roll out emergency measures aimed at alleviating civilian hardship. Officials stressed that functional safe corridors would allow residents to reach locations where they can access legal protection and humanitarian aid.

According to the statement, conditions on the ground remain dire. Monitoring reports indicate that civilians in El Obeid are being prevented from leaving the city and are allegedly being forced into military activities — actions the government described as clear violations of international humanitarian law.

Ceasefire Remains Top Priority

The Council of Ministers called on the international community to mount greater pressure on armed groups operating in and around El Obeid, demanding that they permit free civilian movement, stop forced recruitment, and halt attacks on residential neighbourhoods. The government also pledged to support the delivery of humanitarian aid in a manner that is both uninterrupted and non-discriminatory, in coordination with the United Nations and relevant aid organisations.

Authorities reiterated that an immediate and unconditional humanitarian ceasefire remains the most practical path to protecting civilians, enabling aid delivery, and evacuating the wounded and sick. The statement, signed by Information Minister and government spokesperson Khalid Danaa, warned that previous diplomatic efforts have fallen short of delivering lasting protection for those caught in the conflict.

The Sudan crisis has drawn significant concern across Africa, with the African Union among the bodies being called upon to intensify engagement. The conflict, which has displaced millions and triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian emergencies, continues to affect neighbouring countries in the region.