LIVE: UN Security Council discusses Sudan

| News | February 19, 2026 | 2.49 Thousand views | 2:44:07

TL;DR

UN officials and Sudanese human rights defenders warned the Security Council that after 1,000 days of war, Sudan faces imminent genocide, catastrophic famine, and regional destabilization, demanding immediate action to secure a humanitarian truce, halt arms flows, and hold perpetrators accountable for widespread atrocities.

⚠️ Regional Escalation and Atrocity Risks 3 insights

Border clashes threaten regional spillover

Seven Chadian soldiers were killed in clashes with RSF elements near the border, while weapons continue flowing through Sudan's neighbors, fueling a conflict that has destabilized the broader region.

UN mission warns of genocidal violence

The UN fact-finding mechanism described RSF atrocities in Al-Fashir as "indicators of a genocidal path," documenting ethnic targeting of Masalit, Perti, Zagawa, and Tenjour communities in Darfur.

Mass atrocities foreseen in Kordofan

The High Commissioner for Human Rights alerted the global community to the possibility of mass executions, sexual violence, and family separation in El-Obeid and other besieged areas.

🆘 Humanitarian System Collapse 3 insights

Famine and malnutrition reach critical thresholds

Famine conditions are prevalent in North and South Kordofan, with 4.2 million children and pregnant or breastfeeding women facing acute malnutrition according to IPC analysis.

Aid workers targeted with impunity

Nearly 130 humanitarian workers have been killed since the conflict began, with recent attacks on World Food Program convoys and health facilities killing 31 people in South Kordofan in one week.

Over one million displaced in recent months

According to the International Organization for Migration, more than one million people are now displaced in the Darfur region alone, joining hundreds of thousands in overcrowded transit camps.

🚺 Gender-Based Violence Crisis 3 insights

Sexual violence documented at catastrophic levels

Documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence have nearly tripled since the war began, with one organization recording 1,294 cases while acknowledging this represents a fraction of actual incidents.

Services overwhelmed by 350% demand surge

Demand for gender-based violence prevention and response services has increased by 350%, yet survivors lack access to post-rape care, emergency contraception, or safe abortion as the healthcare system collapses.

Women detained by both warring parties

Over 840 women were detained by Sudan Armed Forces between August 2024 and December 2025 based on ethnicity or alleged RSF collaboration, while thousands remain in RSF detention centers in schools and hospitals.

🕊️ Diplomatic Path Forward 2 insights

Quad initiative offers truce opportunity

The partnership of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States is advancing a humanitarian truce initiative that could pave the way for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

Arms embargo critical to ending war

Briefers emphasized that cutting off the flow of weapons to warring parties is essential, noting the conflict has persisted largely due to external support from foreign backers.

Bottom Line

The Security Council must immediately enforce an arms embargo and pressure all parties to accept the Quad-initiated humanitarian truce without preconditions to prevent imminent genocide and total state collapse.

More from Reuters

View all
A conversation with Pulitzer winners
31:42
Reuters Reuters

A conversation with Pulitzer winners

Reuters journalists discuss their Pulitzer-winning investigations into Meta's harmful AI practices and Trump's campaign of governmental retribution, alongside finalist work on Southeast Asian scam centers and immigration crackdown photography, revealing the methodological innovations and human sourcing required to expose institutional abuse.

about 13 hours ago · 9 points
LIVE: Fernandez takes office as Costa Rican president
2:05:37
Reuters Reuters

LIVE: Fernandez takes office as Costa Rican president

Laura Fernández Delgado is sworn in as President of Costa Rica for the 2026-2030 constitutional term, receiving the presidential sash from outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves in a ceremony emphasizing institutional reform and the fight against corruption.

about 22 hours ago · 8 points
LIVE: David Attenborough's 100th birthday celebrated in London
39:15
Reuters Reuters

LIVE: David Attenborough's 100th birthday celebrated in London

At a London celebration for Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday, wildlife presenter Steve Backshall and BBC host Greg James reflected on his revolutionary impact on nature broadcasting, his masterful storytelling techniques, and his unique ability to inspire audiences across all age groups.

about 24 hours ago · 6 points
LIVE: Ceremony commemorating the end of World War II, in Paris
Reuters Reuters

LIVE: Ceremony commemorating the end of World War II, in Paris

Behind-the-scenes audio from Paris captures President Macron and officials preparing for France's Victory in Europe Day ceremony, featuring interactions with WWII veterans, Resistance medal recipients, and the symbolic flame relighting at the Arc de Triomphe.

1 day ago · 7 points