UN Asks Soldiers to Stop Fighting in El-Obeid

Jun 21, 2026, 14:22
AfricaInternational
A2

UN Asks Soldiers to Stop Fighting in El-Obeid

聯合國要求士兵停止在 El-Obeid 戰鬥

Introduction

The United Nations (UN) tells the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to stop their attack on the city of El-Obeid in Sudan.

聯合國（UN）要求快速支援部隊（RSF）停止對蘇丹 El-Obeid 市的攻擊。

Main Body

Two groups of soldiers are fighting for power in Sudan. This war started in April 2023. Many people died and 11 million people left their homes. Now, the RSF soldiers surround the city of El-Obeid.

兩組士兵正在蘇丹爭奪權力。這場戰爭始於 2023 年 4 月。許多人死亡，且有 1,100 萬人離開家園。現在，RSF 士兵包圍了 El-Obeid 市。

The UN is very worried. In another city called El-Fasher, many people died in three days. The UN says this was a terrible crime. They want to stop this from happening again in El-Obeid.

聯合國非常擔心。在另一個名為 El-Fasher 的城市，三天內有許多人死亡。聯合國表示這是一場可怕的罪行。他們希望阻止這種情況在 El-Obeid 再次發生。

The UN leader talks to the RSF leader. Other countries also help to stop the war. Many people in Sudan have no food. Aid groups are ready to help these people.

聯合國領導人正與 RSF 領導人對話。其他國家也在協助停止戰爭。蘇丹許多人缺乏食物。援助組織已準備好幫助這些人。

Conclusion

The UN is watching El-Obeid. They want the fighting to stop now to save people.

聯合國正關注 El-Obeid。他們希望現在就停止戰鬥以拯救人民。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The Power of 'S'

Look at how the story describes people and groups. In English, when one person or one group does something, we often add an -s to the action word.

From the text:

  • The UN tells... →\rightarrow (One group)
  • The UN says... →\rightarrow (One group)
  • The UN leader talks... →\rightarrow (One person)

Compare this to many people:

  • Two groups are fighting... (Not 'is')
  • Many people died... (Past time)

📦 Word Bundles: 'No' vs 'None'

In the text, we see: "Many people in Sudan have no food."

To reach A2, remember this simple rule: NO + Noun = Zero things.

  • No food →\rightarrow 0 bread, 0 rice.
  • No money →\rightarrow 0 dollars.
  • No time →\rightarrow 0 minutes.

🕒 The 'Now' vs 'Then' Shift

Notice how the writer changes the time of the story:

  1. The Past: "This war started in April 2023." →\rightarrow (It happened and finished).
  2. The Present: "The UN is watching El-Obeid." →\rightarrow (It is happening right now).

Key takeaway: Use -ed for things that are over, and is/are for things happening today.

Vocabulary Learning

attack (n.)
An act of fighting or trying to hurt a person or place
Example:The soldiers started an attack on the city.
surround (v.)
To be all around something or someone
Example:The army will surround the city so no one can leave.
terrible (adj.)
Very bad or unpleasant
Example:The weather was terrible during the storm.
crime (n.)
An action that is against the law
Example:Stealing is a crime.
aid (n.)
Help, such as food or money, given to people in need
Example:The aid groups sent food and water to the village.
B2

UN Security Council Intervenes as RSF Surrounds El-Obeid

快速支援部隊包圍歐貝伊德，聯合國安理會介入干預

Introduction

The United Nations Security Council has officially demanded that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stop their military advance toward the city of El-Obeid in Sudan's Kordofan region.

聯合國安理會已正式要求快速支援部隊 (RSF) 停止向蘇丹科尔多凡地區的歐貝伊德市進軍。

Main Body

The current instability in Sudan is caused by a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This conflict began in April 2023 and has already forced over 11 million people to leave their homes, while killing tens of thousands. Because El-Obeid is a vital link between central and western Sudan, the RSF has spent several months surrounding the city to gain strategic control.

目前蘇丹的不穩定是由於由阿卜杜勒-法塔赫-布爾漢領導的蘇丹武裝部隊，與由穆罕默德-哈姆丹-達加洛領導的準軍事組織快速支援部隊 (RSF) 之間的權力鬥爭所引起。這場衝突始於2023年4月，已迫使超過1,100萬人離開家園，並造成數萬人死亡。由於歐貝伊德是蘇丹中部與西部之間的重要樞紐，RSF 已花費數月包圍該市以獲取戰略控制權。

International organizations are deeply concerned because of what happened during the capture of El-Fasher in the Darfur region. The UN described the events in El-Fasher as showing 'signs of genocide,' with reports suggesting that over 6,000 people died in just three days. Consequently, Secretary-General António Guterres has urged other countries to pressure the fighting sides to ensure that such terrible violence does not happen again in El-Obeid.

國際組織對此前在達爾富爾地區佔領法希爾期間發生的事件深感擔憂。聯合國將法希爾的事件描述為顯示出「種族滅絕跡象」，有報告指出僅在三天內就有超過6,000人死亡。因此，秘書長古特雷斯敦促其他國家向交戰雙方施壓，以確保歐貝伊德不再發生如此可怕的暴力事件。

To reduce the tension, the Secretary-General's special envoy, Pekka Haavisto, has communicated directly with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Furthermore, the UN is working with other nations that have influence over the warring groups to encourage a peace agreement or a ceasefire. At the same time, aid agencies are preparing for large numbers of refugees, as nearly half of the Sudanese population is currently struggling to find enough food.

為了緩解緊張局勢，秘書長的特使佩卡-哈維斯托已直接與穆罕默德-哈姆丹-達加洛溝通。此外，聯合國正與其他對交戰團體具有影響力的國家合作，以促成和平協議或停火。與此同時，援助機構正準備迎接大量難民，因為目前近半數蘇丹人口正陷入缺乏足夠食物的困境。

Conclusion

The United Nations continues to monitor the situation in El-Obeid and is calling for an immediate end to the fighting to prevent the humanitarian crisis from getting worse.

聯合國將繼續監控歐貝伊德的情況，並呼籲立即停止戰鬥，以防止人道主義危機進一步惡化。

Vocabulary Learning

The 'Power' of Connectors: Moving Beyond 'And' and 'But'

At the A2 level, we usually connect ideas using simple words like and, but, and because. However, to sound like a B2 speaker, you need to use Logical Transitions. These words act as bridges that tell the reader exactly how two ideas relate to each other.

🛠️ The Upgrade Path

Look at how the article replaces simple words with "Professional Bridges":

  • Instead of 'Also' →\rightarrow Furthermore

    • Example: "Furthermore, the UN is working with other nations..."
    • B2 Secret: Use this when you are adding a second, more important point to your argument.

  • Instead of 'So' →\rightarrow Consequently

    • Example: "Consequently, Secretary-General António Guterres has urged..."
    • B2 Secret: This shows a direct result. It sounds more formal and decisive than 'so'.

  • Instead of 'Now' →\rightarrow Currently

    • Example: "...half of the Sudanese population is currently struggling..."
    • B2 Secret: While 'now' is a point in time, 'currently' describes a continuing state or situation.

💡 Pro-Tip: The 'Cause & Effect' Chain

To reach B2, stop writing short, choppy sentences. Try to chain your thoughts using this formula: [Event] + [Logical Connector] + [Result]

A2 Style: The city is important. So the RSF wants it. B2 Style: The city is a vital link; consequently, the RSF has spent months surrounding it to gain control.

Vocabulary spotlight for your transition:

  • Vital (B2) →\rightarrow More powerful than 'important'.
  • Intervene (B2) →\rightarrow More precise than 'help' or 'stop'.
  • Ensure (B2) →\rightarrow More formal than 'make sure'.

Vocabulary Learning

intervene (v.)
To become involved in a difficult situation in order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.
Example:The government decided to intervene in the dispute between the union and the company.
instability (n.)
A state or condition of being unstable; lack of predictability or steadiness.
Example:Political instability in the region has led to a decrease in foreign investment.
paramilitary (adj.)
Organized similarly to a military force, but not part of a country's official armed forces.
Example:The government was accused of using paramilitary groups to suppress the protests.
strategic (adj.)
Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the adoption of means of achieving them.
Example:The city's location makes it a strategic point for controlling trade in the region.
genocide (n.)
The deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation.
Example:The international community must work together to prevent genocide and ethnic cleansing.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:He failed to attend the required workshops; consequently, he did not receive the certification.
envoy (n.)
A messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission.
Example:The president sent a special envoy to negotiate the peace treaty.
ceasefire (n.)
A temporary suspension of fighting; a truce.
Example:Both sides agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach the civilians.
C2

United Nations Security Council Intervention Regarding the Strategic Encirclement of El-Obeid

聯合國安理會就埃爾奧拜德被戰略包圍採取干預措施

Introduction

The United Nations Security Council has issued a formal demand for the Rapid Support Forces to cease their military advance on the city of El-Obeid in Sudan's Kordofan region.

聯合國安理會已正式要求快速支援部隊停止向蘇丹科多法州的城市埃爾奧拜德推進。

Main Body

The current geopolitical instability in Sudan is predicated upon a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This conflict, which commenced in April 2023, has resulted in the displacement of over 11 million individuals and the deaths of tens of thousands. The strategic significance of El-Obeid, which serves as a critical nexus between central and western Sudan, has led to its encirclement by the RSF over several months.

蘇丹目前的地緣政治不穩定，源於由阿卜杜勒-法塔赫-布爾漢領導的蘇丹武裝部隊，與由穆罕默德-哈姆丹-達加洛指揮的準軍事組織「快速支援部隊」(RSF) 之間的權力鬥爭。這場於 2023 年 4 月開始的衝突，已導致超過 1,100 萬人流離失所及數萬人死亡。埃爾奧拜德作為蘇丹中部與西部之間的關鍵樞紐，具有戰略重要性，導致其在數個月內被 RSF 包圍。

Institutional concerns are primarily driven by the precedent established during the capture of El-Fasher in the Darfur region. The United Nations has characterized the events in El-Fasher as bearing the 'hallmarks of genocide,' citing estimates from the UN human rights office that over 6,000 fatalities occurred within a three-day window. Consequently, Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the international community to exert pressure on the belligerents to preclude a recurrence of such atrocities in El-Obeid.

機構方面的憂慮主要源於達富爾地區埃爾法舍爾被佔領時所建立的先例。聯合國將埃爾法舍爾的事件描述為具有「種族滅絕的特徵」，並引用聯合國人權辦公室的估計，指出在三天之內發生了超過 6,000 宗死亡事件。因此，秘書長古特雷斯敦促國際社會向交戰各方施壓，以防止埃爾奧拜德再次發生此類暴行。

Diplomatic efforts to achieve de-escalation include direct communication between the Secretary-General's special envoy, Pekka Haavisto, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Furthermore, the UN has engaged third-party nations possessing influence over the warring factions to facilitate a rapprochement or a cessation of hostilities. Concurrently, humanitarian agencies are preparing for large-scale population movements, as approximately half of the Sudanese population currently experiences food insecurity.

旨在實現局勢降溫的外交努力包括秘書長特別代表佩卡-哈維斯托與穆罕默德-哈姆丹-達加洛之間的直接溝通。此外，聯合國已與對交戰派系具有影響力的第三方國家接觸，以促進和解或停止敵對行動。與此同時，人道主義機構正為大規模人口移動做準備，因為目前約有半數蘇丹人口面臨糧食不安全問題。

Conclusion

The United Nations continues to monitor the situation in El-Obeid while calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further humanitarian degradation.

聯合國將繼續監控埃爾奧拜德的情況，同時呼籲立即停止敵對行動，以防止人道主義狀況進一步惡化。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of Formality: Lexical Density and Nominalization

To migrate from B2 to C2, a student must stop merely 'communicating' and start 'architecting' language. The provided text is a masterclass in Nominalization—the process of turning verbs (actions) or adjectives (descriptions) into nouns. This creates a 'static' academic tone that prioritizes concepts over agents.

◈ The Precision of the 'Abstract Noun'

Look at the phrase: "The strategic significance of El-Obeid... has led to its encirclement."

  • B2 Approach: "El-Obeid is strategically important, so the RSF surrounded it." (Agent-focused, simple syntax).
  • C2 Approach: "The strategic significance... led to its encirclement." (Concept-focused).

By transforming the action surround into the noun encirclement, the writer shifts the focus from the actor to the state of affairs. This is the hallmark of diplomatic and legal English.

◈ High-Value Semantic Bridges

C2 mastery requires a vocabulary that avoids generic verbs (like do, make, go) in favor of Precise Academic Predicates. Analyze these specific pairings from the text:

  1. "Predicated upon" →\rightarrow Replaces "based on". It implies a logical or formal foundation.
  2. "Preclude a recurrence" →\rightarrow Replaces "stop it from happening again". Note the Latinate root pre-claudere (to shut off), which provides a nuance of total prevention.
  3. "Facilitate a rapprochement" →\rightarrow Replaces "help them get along". Rapprochement is a loanword from French, essential for geopolitical discourse to describe the re-establishment of cordial relations.

◈ Syntactic Compression

Observe the phrase: "...bearing the hallmarks of genocide."

Instead of saying "it looks like genocide because of several signs," the author uses "hallmarks." A hallmark is a distinctive characteristic. Using this noun allows the author to condense a complex observation into a single, high-impact descriptor. This density is what examiners look for in C2 writing: the ability to convey maximum information with minimum linguistic waste.

Vocabulary Learning

predicated (v.)
Based on or founded on a particular set of circumstances or assumptions.
Example:The company's growth strategy is predicated on the assumption that market demand will remain high.
nexus (n.)
A central or focal point; a connection or series of connections linking two or more things.
Example:The city served as a commercial nexus, connecting the rural agricultural hubs with the coastal ports.
hallmarks (n.)
Distinctive features or characteristics that serve as a sign of a particular quality or condition.
Example:The meticulous attention to detail is one of the hallmarks of her architectural style.
belligerents (n.)
Parties or nations engaged in a war or conflict.
Example:The ceasefire agreement was signed after both belligerents realized that a military victory was unattainable.
preclude (v.)
To prevent the occurrence of a specified event or make it impossible.
Example:The strict new regulations were designed to preclude any further environmental contamination.
rapprochement (n.)
An establishment or resumption of harmonious relations between two countries or groups that were previously hostile.
Example:The diplomatic summit marked a significant rapprochement between the two long-standing rivals.
cessation (n.)
The fact or process of ending or being brought to an end.
Example:The international community demanded an immediate cessation of all hostilities in the region.
Practice All words in a crossword→