Why el-Obeid matters as Sudan’s war enters a new phase

Escalating fighting around Sudan’s strategic city of el-Obeid has forced more than 11,000 people, including over 5,500 children, to flee their homes in the past two weeks, according to Save the Children. The United Nations is warning that up to 500,000 civilians could be endangered if the violence intensifies in the city, which has become the latest focal point in a conflict that has already created the world's largest displacement crisis.

While international attention has largely focused on Khartoum and the Darfur region during Sudan's three-year civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), focus has shifted to el-Obeid amid intensified fighting across Kordofan. This shift has prompted warnings from UN officials and humanitarian organizations about a potential new humanitarian emergency.

Francesco Lanino, deputy country director for Save the Children in Sudan, highlighted the profound impact of displacement on children. "For children, displacement is far more than the loss of a home," he said. "It often means losing access to school, healthcare, clean water and the support networks that help them feel safe and protected. Many have already been displaced multiple times, and without urgent action to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian assistance can reach those in need and prevent further violence, thousands of children could be forced to flee while facing increasing risks to their safety, health and wellbeing."

El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, is crucial due to its location southwest of Khartoum, at the intersection of roads linking central Sudan with Darfur and its southern states. This strategic position makes it a vital commercial center and a key logistical hub for both military operations and humanitarian aid. Currently under SAF control, it represents one of the army's most important positions in western Sudan, influencing movement along critical supply routes. The RSF's expansion of military pressure around the city, coupled with the army's reinforcement of its positions, raises concerns about a potential wider assault, although neither side has announced offensive plans. Drone warfare has also become a more prominent feature of the conflict, targeting military sites and essential civilian infrastructure.

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For children, displacement is far more than the loss of a home. It often means losing access to school, healthcare, clean water and the support networks that help them feel safe and protected. Many have already been displaced multiple times, and without urgent action to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian assistance can reach those in need and prevent further violence, thousands of children could be forced to flee while facing increasing risks to their safety, health and wellbeing.