Overview
- Pope Leo XIV used his Angelus address on Sunday to call for humanitarian corridors for civilians trapped in Sudan and urged the international community to back an immediate ceasefire.
- The United Nations has issued a "red alert" as fighting around El-Obeid has intensified, with nearly continuous drone and artillery strikes reported on homes, markets and places of worship.
- The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has driven roughly 14 million people from their homes and created severe shortages of food and health care across the country.
- Both sides face accusations of war crimes and sanctions, while Sudan’s army has publicly vowed to continue operations against the RSF through the end of 2026, a stance analysts say risks prolonging civilian suffering.
- Humanitarian workers warn that tightened sieges and blocked access will increase the risk of famine, force more internal displacement, and raise pressure on diplomats to secure safe aid routes and protections for civilians.