Sudanese Forces Lift Two-Year Blockade on Strategic Urban Center, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces.
The Sudanese army has made significant gains in its fight against the ‘Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF), breaking a near two-year siege imposed on the key southern state capital of el-Obeid.
A Turning Point in the Conflict?
The breakthrough came hours after the RSF signed a political charter in Nairobi, Kenya, to establish a breakaway government in areas under its control. The move is seen as a major development in the ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF, which has been raging since April 2023.
A Devastating Impact on Civilians
The siege of el-Obeid has had a devastating impact on civilians, with tens of thousands killed and millions forced from their homes. The city, which is a strategic hub connecting Khartoum to Darfur, has been cut off from the rest of the country for nearly two years.
A civilian is a person who is not a member of the military, police force, or other uniformed services.
Civilians play a crucial role in society, contributing to economic growth, social development, and cultural enrichment.
According to the United Nations, there are over 7 billion civilians worldwide, accounting for approximately 95% of the global population.
Civilians are often affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises, making their protection and well-being a priority for governments and international organizations.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The situation in el-Obeid is described as ‘horrific’ by Sudanese civil society activist Dallia Abdlemoniem. She said that civilians have been held captive by the RSF for nearly two years, with no medical or food aid available in an area considered to be at high risk of famine and malnutrition.
Civil society in Sudan has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century.
The country's first civil society organizations emerged during the colonial period, focusing on issues such as education and healthcare.
After independence, civil society continued to grow, with organizations addressing topics like human rights and economic development.
Today, Sudanese civil society plays a crucial role in promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability.
According to a 2020 report, there are over 1,000 registered civil society organizations in Sudan, employing thousands of people and providing vital services to communities across the country.
Lifting the Siege: A New Era for El-Obeid?
The recapture of el-Obeid is a significant step forward for the Sudanese army, which has been making major advances in recent weeks. Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim described the move as a ‘massive step’ in lifting the RSF siege of el-Fasher and allowing humanitarian aid to reach Kordofan.
A New Era for the Region?
The latest fighting around el-Fasher has forced medical charity ‘Doctors Without Borders (MSF)’ to halt operations at Zamzam camp, which houses about 500,000 displaced people. MSF said it was a ‘heartbreaking decision’ but had ‘little choice’ due to the danger posed by the conflict.
Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is an international humanitarian organization that provides medical care to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare.
Founded in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries, providing emergency and primary healthcare services.
With a focus on treating the most vulnerable populations, including refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons, MSF has saved countless lives through its medical programs and advocacy efforts.
Accusations of Atrocities Continue
Both the army and the RSF have been accused of committing grave atrocities against civilians during the war, with their leaders being sanctioned by the US. The RSF has also been accused of carrying out a genocide in Darfur, which it denies.
- yahoo.com | Sudan army ends two year siege of key city
- bbc.com | Sudan army ends two year siege of key city
- www.bbc.co.uk | Sudan war: Army ends two year siege of el Obeid BBC News
