In El Obeid, Sudan, the relentless drone strikes have plunged the city into a state of despair. Witnesses describe a surge in violence, particularly over the past weekend, where attacks resulted in the deaths of over 20 individuals, including innocent students. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the city—home to approximately 100,000 displaced individuals—faces dire consequences amidst the ongoing power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
A City in Turmoil
Fatima, an aid volunteer whose identity has been concealed for security reasons, recounts a harrowing reality. “In recent months, it has become commonplace to see 40 or 45 drones overhead. The scale of destruction is overwhelming,” she states. El Obeid, with its population of around 500,000, has become a focal point in the conflict, suffering repeated assaults that target critical infrastructure. The RSF’s aggressive tactics have raised alarms among international agencies, warning of potential atrocities reminiscent of last year’s massacre in El Fasher.
The United Nations has reported at least 45 fatalities and numerous injuries as a result of 15 drone strikes between June 6 and June 28. With significant troop concentrations surrounding the city, experts fear an impending ground offensive, which could further exacerbate the already precarious humanitarian situation.
Human Rights Crisis Unfolding
In response to the escalating violence, Amnesty International has released a report condemning the RSF for committing acts of ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity during its campaign in El Fasher. The findings, corroborated by an independent UN fact-finding mission, highlight systematic attacks against non-Arab communities, suggesting the grim possibility of genocide.
During a recent urgent debate in Geneva, Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a stark warning. “Signs from El Obeid are clear and unmistakable: another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan,” he remarked, urging global leaders to take decisive action to prevent further atrocities.
The Human Cost of Conflict
The humanitarian toll in El Obeid is staggering. As residents grapple with the reality of constant drone attacks, critical services have been severely disrupted. Nohad Eltayeb, a researcher at a conflict monitoring group, noted that July recorded the highest monthly figure of drone strikes—27—since the conflict’s onset in 2023.
Fatima shared her experiences of living in fear, detailing how hospitals, fuel stations, and even gatherings of people seeking connectivity have come under fire. “The situation is indescribably terrible,” she lamented, noting how even funerals have transformed into discussions about the violent circumstances surrounding the deceased.
Merchants have raised prices due to the risk of drone attacks on supply routes, further straining the already limited resources available to residents. Ahlam, another humanitarian worker, emphasised the psychological toll of living under such relentless pressure. “People are accustomed to pain, loss, and fear. Nearly every essential service has been targeted in just the last fortnight,” she explained.
A Call for Action
As the violence escalates, calls for international intervention grow louder. Mohamed Badawi, director at the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies, has urged for a ceasefire and the establishment of safe corridors to allow civilians to escape the turmoil. Will Davies, Sudan director at Avaaz, described the situation in El Obeid as “extremely dire,” stressing the importance of addressing the humanitarian needs of the affected population.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, was ignited by a power struggle between Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s SAF and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo’s RSF. The violence has claimed countless lives and displaced millions, exacerbated by foreign interventions that continue to fuel the chaos.
In a significant step, the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, alongside various civil organisations, has referred high-ranking officials from the UAE, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt to the International Criminal Court for allegedly enabling atrocity crimes in Darfur. Accusations include supplying arms, mercenaries, and logistical support to the conflicting factions.
Why it Matters
The plight of El Obeid is emblematic of a broader humanitarian crisis unfolding across Sudan. As drone strikes continue to wreak havoc, the international community faces a pressing moral obligation to intervene and prevent further atrocities. With the lives of countless individuals hanging in the balance, swift action is crucial to alleviate suffering and restore stability in a region teetering on the brink of collapse. The world must not turn a blind eye to the unfolding tragedy in El Obeid and beyond.