The United Nations Secretary-General expresses deep concern over the escalation of fighting in central Sudan.

UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed serious concern about the escalation of fighting in and around the provincial capital of Obeid, North Kordofan State in central Sudan on the 18th through his spokesperson Dujarric. He urged the conflicting parties in Sudan to exercise restraint and take all necessary measures to protect civilians. The statement mentioned that Guterres was particularly alarmed by the rapid deployment of Sudanese Rapid Support Forces to Obeid, which could indicate an imminent ground attack on the city, putting the heavily populated city at serious risk of large-scale violence. The statement further called on the Sudanese armed forces and Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease hostilities, ease tensions through international mediation, and end the conflict through negotiations. Guterres emphasized the need to facilitate and protect humanitarian operations, allow civilians to freely leave Obeid, protect civilians choosing to remain in the city, and ensure they receive humanitarian assistance. Guterres reminded all parties to observe their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.