Sudan’s Military Breaks Siege on Obeid, Gains Upper Hand in Conflict
Sudan’s military successfully broke a year-long siege on the strategic city of Obeid, marking a significant victory in its nearly two-year war against the notorious Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. The city, located in the south-central region of North Kordofan province, is a crucial commercial and transportation hub, hosting a major airbase and the military’s 5th Infantry Division. The siege, imposed by the RSF since April 2023, had severely disrupted supply routes and humanitarian access to the region. By reopening the road to Obeid, the military has strengthened its control over key supply lines and bolstered its position in the ongoing conflict.
The military’s success in Obeid follows a series of setbacks for the RSF, which has been pushed back in several areas, including the loss of its last stronghold in White Nile province. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah highlighted the strategic importance of the victory, stating that it paves the way for further advances, including lifting the RSF siege on el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province. The breakthrough also enables the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to affected populations in the Kordofan region.
A Nation in Chaos: The Ongoing Conflict and Its Humanitarian Toll
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between the military and the RSF escalated into open warfare. The fighting has devastated the capital, Khartoum, and other urban centers, with widespread reports of atrocities, including mass rape, ethnically motivated killings, and other crimes against humanity. The United Nations and international rights groups have condemned the violence, particularly in the western region of Darfur, where civilians have borne the brunt of the fighting.
The conflict has also disrupted essential services, exacerbating a growing humanitarian crisis. The siege on Obeid, for instance, had left thousands without access to food, medicine, and other necessities. The military’s recent victory has provided a glimmer of hope for the affected population, but the broader conflict remains unresolved. With no peaceful settlement in sight, Sudan continues to teeter on the brink of further instability.
Military Gains and the Shift in Momentum
The Sudanese military has made significant strides in recent months, retaking key strategic areas and pushing the RSF into retreat. In September 2023, the military launched a major offensive to recapture the Greater Khartoum area, including the capital and its sister cities, Omdurman and Khartoum North. The campaign has yielded important victories, including the recapture of the military’s main headquarters and progress toward reclaiming the Republican Palace, which was stormed by the RSF at the start of the war.
Beyond Khartoum, the military has regained control of other critical locations, such as Wad Medani, the capital of Gezira province, and the country’s largest oil refinery. These gains have shifted the momentum of the war in favor of the military, giving it the upper hand as the conflict approaches its two-year mark. However, the RSF remains a formidable force, and the military’s advances have yet to translate into a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
Cholera Outbreak Adds to Sudan’s Misery
As the war rages on, Sudan is grappling with another crisis: a deadly cholera outbreak. The disease has spread to Rabak, the capital of White Nile province, after first emerging in Kosti, another city in the same province. Between Thursday and Sunday, 68 people died from cholera, and over 1,860 cases were reported in the two cities. Health authorities have blamed the outbreak on contaminated drinking water, which was disrupted during an RSF attack on Kosti’s water supply facility.
The cholera outbreak is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader pattern of public health challenges exacerbated by the conflict. Last year, between July and October, cholera killed more than 600 people and sickened over 21,000 others, primarily in eastern Sudan, where millions of displaced people are concentrated. The World Health Organization warns that cholera is highly contagious and can be fatal if untreated, making it a significant threat to vulnerable populations. The Sudanese government has launched an anti-cholera vaccination campaign, but efforts to contain the outbreak are likely to be hindered by the ongoing war and limited access to affected areas.
International Pressure and the Risk of Further Fragmentation
The international community has condemned the violence in Sudan and urged both sides to seek a peaceful resolution. The United States has gone so far as to accuse the RSF and its proxies of committing genocide, a charge that has added pressure on the group. However, these efforts have failed to halt the conflict, and the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate.
In a worrying development, the RSF and its allies have signed a charter that could pave the way for the establishment of a parallel government. This move has raised fears of a potential split in the country, with the RSF seeking to challenge the military-backed administration. Such a scenario would further destabilize Sudan, which is already reeling from years of conflict, economic collapse, and humanitarian crises.
Conclusion: A Path Forward for Sudan?
The recent military victories in Obeid and elsewhere have provided a much-needed boost to the Sudanese government, but the conflict remains far from over. The RSF retains significant capabilities, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The cholera outbreak is just one example of the broader health crisis facing the country, which is exacerbated by the war and lack of access to basic services.
For Sudan to move forward, a comprehensive peace agreement is needed—one that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures accountability for the atrocities committed. The international community must continue to play a role in facilitating negotiations and applying pressure on all parties to cease hostilities. Until then, the people of Sudan will remain trapped in a cycle of violence, displacement, and suffering, with little hope of a brighter future.
