The United States, on Monday, expressed concern over the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reported gathering around El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state in Sudan, warning of possible mass atrocities that could worsen the country’s humanitarian crisis.

Department of State spokesperson, Thomas Pigott, said in a statement that the RSF buildup could increase the risk of attacks against civilians and infrastructure and escalation of violence across the Kordofan region.

“There are alarming indications that mass atrocities could be imminent, further worsening Sudan’s already catastrophic humanitarian crisis,” Mr Pigott said.

He warned the RSF and their allied forces to avoid actions capable of endangering lives and impeding humanitarian aid or further worsening “atrocities and suffering.”

Mr Pigott said the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary RSF must uphold international humanitarian law to protect civilians.

The spokesperson noted that civilians have continued to bear the brunt of the fighting and urged safe and rapid humanitarian access.

“There is no military solution to this conflict,” it said. “The belligerents must pursue a negotiated settlement, without preconditions, that ends the violence and addresses the immense suffering of the Sudanese people.”

Mr Pigott pledged continued collaboration with international partners to ensure humanitarian access, civilian transition, and a pathway to lasting peace.

“Only through peace and stability can Sudan return to independent civilian-led governance, preserve its unity, and realise the aspirations of its people,” he stated.