The Sudanese army has lifted a two-year siege of el-Obeid by the RSF, coinciding with RSF’s political moves for a breakaway government. The conflict has left tens of thousands dead, causing mass displacement. Civil society activists remark on the significance of this military gain for humanitarian efforts and stability, as tensions continue between Sudan and Kenya regarding the RSF’s actions.
The Sudanese army has successfully lifted a nearly two-year-long siege imposed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on el-Obeid, a crucial southern state capital. This military achievement coincided with the RSF’s signing of a political charter in Nairobi aimed at establishing a breakaway government in regions it controls. The ongoing conflict, intensifying since April 2023, has resulted in widespread casualties and displacement of millions across the nation.
El-Obeid serves as a strategic connector between the capital, Khartoum, and the Darfur region. Recent military gains follow the Sudanese army’s reclaiming of territories in Khartoum from the RSF. The army’s entry into the city sparked celebrations among the local population, signaling a potential shift in the conflict’s dynamics.
Military spokesperson Nabil Abdallah announced that RSF units were destroyed during these operations. Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim remarked that the army’s advances signify a substantial step aimed at easing the RSF’s siege on el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, facilitating humanitarian aid delivery to the Kordofan region.
Civil society activist Dallia Abdlemoniem described the recapture of el-Obeid as “huge” and “significant,” noting that civilians had been held captive for two years without food or medical aid. Ahmed Hussein, a local trader, stated that lifting the siege would rejuvenate the city’s life.
Recent clashes near el-Fasher have led the medical charity Doctors Without Borders to suspend operations due to safety concerns in a nearby famine-stricken camp housing approximately 500,000 displaced individuals. Both the army and RSF face allegations of severe human rights violations amid the conflict, with the US imposing sanctions on their leaders, who deny these claims.
The RSF’s efforts to form a parallel government in Kenya have drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Sudan’s Foreign Minister asserted the country would reject any international recognition of this alternate government, while Sudan’s military government threatened retaliatory actions against Kenya. In response, Kenyan officials clarified their neutral role in facilitating discussions among conflicting parties.
The Sudanese army’s recent successful operations have lifted the siege of el-Obeid, allowing for potential humanitarian aid access and signaling a shift in the power struggle with the RSF. The ongoing conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, and both factions continue to face scrutiny over human rights violations. The political movements surrounding the RSF’s attempts for a parallel government add complexity to the situation, prompting a firm response from the Sudanese government.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
