A Nigerian member of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, Joy Ezeilo, has warned that escalating attacks are endangering civilians.

Ms Ezeilo raised concerns about the destruction of essential infrastructure as the mission presented new findings on Sudan’s worsening humanitarian and human rights situation.

The findings were presented during Wednesday’s General Assembly Third Committee proceedings and a subsequent press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

The mission’s latest report examines expanding drone warfare, attacks on civilian infrastructure and increasing repression in El Obeid, North Kordofan State.

Ms Ezeilo warned that civilians continued to suffer from the consequences of the war, particularly following the devastation of El Fasher.

She highlighted the destruction of electricity networks, water facilities, hospitals, schools and displacement sites. According to the Nigerian expert, attacks on such facilities could affect entire communities long after the immediate violence has ended.

The mission reported that El Obeid remained partially encircled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), exposing residents to continuing insecurity.

It said repeated drone strikes attributed to the RSF had damaged residential areas, schools, displacement sites and other essential civilian infrastructure.

The investigators also raised concerns about actions by security forces associated with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

They documented allegations of surveillance, intimidation, arbitrary detention and torture affecting civilians perceived as critical of the authorities.

The mission said human rights defenders, lawyers, humanitarian workers and community leaders were among those facing increasing restrictions.

It also received allegations of sexual violence against female detainees and deaths in custody.

The investigators warned that some documented conduct could constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes.

Mission chair Mohamed Othman said the conflict was becoming increasingly dangerous because of expanding drone warfare and external military assistance. He reported that the mission had identified networks operating across several countries that allegedly facilitated weapons transfers, logistical support and foreign military participation.

The investigators called for stronger measures against individuals and organisations contributing to serious violations in Sudan.

The mission maintained that protecting Sudanese civilians required action against perpetrators and those financing or facilitating serious violations.

(NAN)