Sudan Army Breaks Two-Year Siege of El-Obeid Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Sudanese army has lifted a two-year siege imposed by the RSF on el-Obeid, a strategic city. This victory follows the RSF’s charter signing for a parallel government in Nairobi. The ongoing conflict has resulted in numerous casualties and persistent humanitarian crises, as both factions continue to be accused of severe human rights violations.

The Sudanese army has reportedly broken a nearly two-year siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on el-Obeid, a significant city in southern Sudan. This development occurred shortly after the RSF signed a political charter in Nairobi to create a separate government in controlled territories. The ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF has resulted in significant casualties and displacements since it began in April 2023.

El-Obeid serves as a strategic hub, linking the capital, Khartoum, with the Darfur region. Recent victories have allowed the army to regain parts of Khartoum from RSF forces. Celebrations erupted in el-Obeid as army troops entered the city, marking a pivotal moment in the two-year conflict.

Military spokesman Nabil Abdallah confirmed that the army’s operations led to the destruction of multiple RSF units. Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim emphasized that the recapture of el-Obeid is a significant move towards breaking the RSF siege of el-Fasher and facilitating humanitarian aid to Kordofan. Civil society activist Dallia Abdlemoniem characterized the city’s recapture as both “huge” and “significant,” noting the dire humanitarian situation caused by RSF control.

Residents expressed relief as the lifting of the siege might revive community life. El-Obeid’s challenging circumstances had left civilians without essential medical and food supplies, raising concerns about famine and malnutrition. Activists hope that aid will now be permitted to enter, alleviating the suffering experienced by the local population.

The current fighting has also impacted humanitarian efforts, including operations by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), who were compelled to suspend activities due to safety concerns. Both the army and RSF have faced allegations of committing atrocities against civilians in the ongoing war. Despite these claims, both parties deny any wrongdoing, and the RSF in particular has been accused of genocide in Darfur.

Recently, Kenya’s efforts to host the RSF for discussions aimed at establishing a parallel government faced criticism from human rights groups. Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Youssef, asserted that the nation would not recognize any self-proclaimed alternative government. Moreover, Sudan’s military government has expressed intentions to impose retaliatory measures against Kenya.

In conclusion, the Sudanese army has achieved a significant milestone by breaking the siege of el-Obeid, enabling potential humanitarian assistance and restoring some stability. As the conflict continues, the situation remains dire with accusations of atrocities from both sides and concerns regarding the humanitarian impacts on the civilian population. The international reactions and ongoing political maneuvers will be critical in determining the future trajectory of the conflict in Sudan.

Original Source: www.bbc.com