El-Obeid becomes new epicenter of Sudan’s war
More than 11,000 people, including 5,500 children, have fled Sudan’s strategic city of el-Obeid in the past two weeks, while the UN warns that up to 500,000 civilians could be at risk if violence escalates.
Sudan's three-year civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has entered a new phase, with the city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan emerging as a key battleground. According to Save the Children, over 11,000 people, including more than 5,500 children, have fled the city in the past two weeks. The United Nations warns that up to 500,000 civilians could be at risk if fighting intensifies.
Strategic importance
El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, lies about 360 kilometers southwest of Khartoum at the intersection of roads linking central Sudan with Darfur and the country’s southern states. It is a major commercial hub and a crucial logistical center for both military operations and humanitarian aid. The city remains under SAF control, making it one of the army’s most important positions in western Sudan. The RSF has been increasing military pressure around el-Obeid in an effort to expand its influence.
Civilian suffering
Fighting has severely affected civilians. Repeated attacks have disrupted electricity and water supplies, caused fuel shortages, and driven up food prices. Damage to water infrastructure and restricted humanitarian access have raised fears of waterborne diseases such as cholera. Many of those fleeing have been displaced multiple times due to earlier conflicts.
Comparison with el-Fasher
UN officials increasingly compare the situation in el-Obeid to that of el-Fasher in North Darfur, where months of fighting left civilians trapped, humanitarian access severely limited, and basic services devastated. While el-Obeid has not yet reached that stage, the UN warns it could follow a similar trajectory if violence continues.
Drone warfare
The conflict has seen an increasing use of drone strikes targeting both military positions and civilian infrastructure, including fuel depots, power grids, and water facilities. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called the situation a “red alert,” urging world leaders to act immediately to prevent a larger humanitarian catastrophe.
