Sudan's ignored war enters grim new phase with El Obeid siege

The war in Sudan, largely ignored by the international community, is escalating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) laying siege to El Obeid. This city, the capital of North Kordofan state, is a vital transport hub connecting Khartoum with Darfur and western Sudan. The RSF, a militia described as genocidal, along with Sudanese government forces, has been fighting for control of the country for over three years.

Reports suggest El Obeid may suffer the same fate as El Fasher, a Darfur city where paramilitary forces, allegedly funded by the United Arab Emirates, carried out mass killings after entering last autumn. The RSF already controls a significant portion of western Sudan and aims to seize cities still held by government forces or local militias.

The strategic importance of El Obeid is amplified by its location near a major oil pipeline. This pipeline transports oil from South Sudan's fields to refineries and the Red Sea port of Port Sudan, which remains under the control of the Sudanese army. The ongoing conflict threatens to further destabilize the region and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.